SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The anticipation is building as the city of Scranton prepares for its 63 annual St. Patrick’s Parade and local businesses are gearing up for what promises to be one of the busiest days of the year!
From beefing up security to piling up the inventory, local businesses are all set to welcome the massive crowds for one of the biggest days of the year.
Downtown Scranton is buzzing with excitement as bars, restaurants, and hotels along the parade route prepare for an influx of parade-goers. Local businesses like Backyard Alehouse are ramping up for a day full of music, food, and festivities.
“Its really exciting, lots of people,” said Jeff Keating, Bar Manager, Backyard Alehouse.
“We get extra staff we bump up security and everything like that. There’s always something going on here especially on parade day, we have bands and DJs throughout the day from open to close,” added Keating.
And it won’t be just DJs, bag piper bands are expected to make a trip into bars as well.
Over at the Hilton on Adams Avenue, the excitement is just as high as employees check-in hundreds of guests for the weekend.
“We have people all over the area come to check like all over the country actually just come down here for St. Patrick’s Day we’ve been sold out for months in advance,” explained Nico Nocera, Social Media Manager, Hilton Scranton.
Along with its no-cover tradition, the Hilton is setting up an outdoor concession stand, offering Irish cuisine alongside quick grab-and-go options.
“We always say we have the beat seat in town, you come in you cant miss anything with our windows, outside with the concession stand” said Nocera.
Bartari, right in the heart of the parade route, is adopting a different approach by keeping its dining and gaming experience intact.
“We’re right in the parade route, we’ll have bands during the parade and we do something a little bit different, we leave all the tables in, all the games in, so people can come in and actually grab a meal instead of having to stand and drink,” stated JP Heim, Owner, Bartari.
From the Backyard Alehouse to the Hilton and Bartari, and all the other local spots in between, everyone is prepared to offer a unique Irish themed experience on the big day.
