HARTFORD, Conn. -- Despite the rain, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was anything but a washout in Hartford.

Irish eyes were smiling as the annual event kicked off in downtown Hartford Saturday morning.

The parade paid tribute to Dan Carey, the town and city clerk who died in September and was last year’s ceremonial person of the year.

Participants from 11 surrounding towns marched in the parade.

“The rain can’t stop us, it’s wonderful,” said Melanie Sprafke, of Granby. “Chilly, but fun. We’re having a fun time. It’s great, you gotta pre-plan for this stuff.”

Umbrellas speckled the parade route as well as canopy tents.