Over the weekend of March 8, 2025, the St Patrick’s day parade was in downtown Scranton, Pa. It has been held since 1962 on the weekend before the Feast of St. Patrick. It kicked off at 11 a.m. with the Brian P. Kelley race. Parade day mass was at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 10a.m. Finally, the parade stepped off at 11:45! Many people loved the parade and people even were interviewed by local news stations and newspapers. The parade was broadcast on WNEP, so those who couldn’t make it were still able to enjoy the festivities! Even better than that, friends and family got to get candy, t-shirts and spend a beautiful sunny day together! People enjoyed the fun of the parade and even went into the mall to get snacks like Auntie Annes, Starbucks, and even just to shop around the stores. Many people went to watch their kids, family, and friends.
Bands came from several local schools like the Scranton High band, and the West Scranton High School (WSHS) drill team came and performed many songs like Shake it Off, Hot to Go, and more! Before the parade, people came and ran the parade route, including Mr. Vaxmonski! Pennsylvania has the second-largest parade every year! One of the best things about the day is that you can buy souvenirs to keep the memory of the parade. This year’s Grand Marshal was John Madden.
Oh, the bagpipes! Bands from local and far played music, had Irish dancers, flags, and fun! The laughter and cheers that came from the crowd made you feel like you were part of something special! There were honored military, twirlettes, and clowns. Classic cars, supercharged Jeeps, Monster trucks, and motorcycles galore! Leprechauns and food trucks added to the enjoyment of the day!
The children all lined the streets catching candy, beads, and trinkets made for memories that can only warm your heart. The people lined up in the parking lots making food from their cars and keeping warm, the city Policeman offering a friendly welcome lets visitors know Scranton is the place to be! Everybody is showing their green for the day, no matter how little or big! Looking around on this special day made you feel like Scranton was home.
There were many large, colorful, and loud floats like a Toyota float, a Peacock float, and even a t-shirt launcher. There was plenty of Irish music, fire trucks, police cars, and even the S.P.C.A. got some furry four-legged friends involved in the parade! This parade definitely had enough to keep your attention and keep your feet moving! Today, everybody was feeling a little Irish as the waves of green lined the city’s streets. As the parade wound down and came to an end, the families all had their new memories, first experiences, new friends, and souvenirs to hold them over ……. Until next year! See you there!
