PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Tomato Capitol traded in its tomatoes for shamrocks on Saturday. Dozens of local businesses, civic groups, and performers marched and road through the streets of Pittston for the city’s Saint Patrick’s Parade.
Main Street in Downtown Pittston became a sea of green.
Thousands of spectators came out to the city’s 12th Annual Saint Patrick’s Parade. It’s the region’s first of the season.
Despite wet weather at times, the energy was high for people like Bill Trimblett of Harding.
“You gotta love it. Downtown Pittston, it don’t get no better than this,” Trimblett said.
“It’s awesome, I love the dancers and the bagpipes and just the whole thing. All the hats, the hats are awesome,” said Dallas resident Nico Cella.
“Even in the rain, it’s cold, it’s windy, but here we are. All together,” Pittston native Stacy Salerno added.
The crowd got to enjoy nearly 80 parade entries, from bagpipers, live bands, and dance groups to festive floats, candy, and green beads.
“I always come to the parades. I’ll be at Scranton and Wilkes-Barre next weekend. I used to go to Girardville, but they canceled theirs. So I try to hit most of them. I have different outfits for each one, but I’ve been doing it for years and years,” said Old Forge resident David Shaup.
Shaup says he’s been attending the parade since he was five years old and dressing up for the last three decades.
“I’m prepared. I got a bed full of green clothes, so I wear them all March,” Shaup added.
So what keeps him coming back?
“It’s a great time, it’s a good time. It’s a nice parade. It’s not that long, it’s short, and everything else. I enjoy them all,” Shaup continued.
This enjoyment echoed throughout the streets of downtown Pittston.
“It’s such a good celebration, and seeing everyone have so much fun is amazing,” Pittston native Ali Gregory said.
“We’re here having a good time, so what beats that?” Jake Gregory added.
“Happy St. Patty’s Day, Brother,” Trimblett celebrated.
