Parade-goers in Bridgeport celebrate Saint Patrick's Day

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Irish eyes were smiling in Bridgeport on Friday as they celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with their annual parade.

Marchers in this year's Bridgeport parade proudly wore their green, not only to honor Saint Patrick but to honor the memory of the victims of the tragedy at Sandy Hook.

It's a special parade for little Ivy Ryan and especially mom Denise.

"She was wished for right around this parade last year so this is her holiday," said Denise Lengyel of Stratford.

"Happy Saint Patrick's Day!"

Stratford's Donna Holmes showed her Irish pride with a hat that was a few sizes too small.

"My daughter bought them for all the children and they thought I looked better in it, so here I am," said Holmes.

Now in its 31st year, the park city event has seen its share of snow, rain and high winds but the sun was shining for parade-goers, many who say they never miss it.

"I was born Irish," said Jennie Jennings of Bridgeport.