SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One of Lackawanna County’s most treasured Irish traditions celebrated its 63rd year on Saturday.
Festivities are still flowing in the Electric City Saturday night after the Saint Patrick’s Parade took to the streets of Downtown Scranton.
The Saint Patrick’s Parade may have wrapped up yet another year in the Electric City, but all the Irish heritage is still being celebrated throughout the night.
It’s all part of many traditions the historic parade embodies.
In classic Irish fashion, the kilts, ron, and bagpipes of the Penn York Highlanders stepped off the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday.
“Every year it gets bigger, the people get bigger, the traffic gets bigger,” said Scranton resident Patrick Murphy.
The big Irish celebration comes stuffed with tradition.
Murphy was one of thousands in the streets of downtown Scranton to celebrate.
After 40 years, this parade provides Murphy plenty of Irish pride.
“This reminds me a lot of Christmas. Everyone’s happy, joyful, friendly, and good cheer,” Murphy continued.
Beginning at Mulberry Street and Wyoming Avenue, the parade features many Irish groups, from local businesses and organizations to some of the county’s most well-known folks.
“It’s a great day in Scranton. I am so honored. It’s a great day,” said Saint Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal John Madden.
From Madden, this year’s Grand Marshal, to the Cooper family, this year’s honorary Grand Marshal, and everyone in between.
“We are feeling so fine, aren’t we? We are a big Irish family, and we feel wonderful today,” said Jack Cooper of Cooper’s Seafood House.
“It feels great. Last year was rainy, so this is awesome,” Genevieve Martinelli from Scranton explained.
“We’ve been coming downtown since I was a kid through high school, and now to bring my son is really enjoyable,” said Scranton resident Bonnie Smith.
It was even enjoyable to those who aren’t so irish.
“This is tradition for 10 years running. We’re all Italian, but we are Irish today,” Sam Borgia from Scranton stated.
So whether you bleed orange, white, and green or not, take it from Murphy.
“Everyone’s Irish!” Murphy exclaimed.
The Saint Patrick’s Parade concluded Saturday afternoon at around 2:00 p.m.
