Celebrating St. Patrick’s Month Across Northeast Pennsylvania: Parades and Traditions
March 17 marks St. Patrick’s Day, but in Northeast Pennsylvania, the celebrations extend throughout the month. This region boasts a series of parades and events that highlight the rich Irish heritage and community spirit.
Pittston Kicks Off the Season
On Saturday, March 7, at 11:45 a.m., Pittston will launch the parade festivities. The city selected its Little Miss and Little Mister Leprechaun in February, and these young representatives will lead the parade’s opening division.
The Pittston City St. Patrick’s Parade has been a vibrant event since 2014, featuring numerous bagpipe bands and drawing over 200,000 spectators throughout the years.
The day begins with a Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church at 9:15 a.m., followed by the parade on Main Street. However, the city’s Leprechaun Loop run and walk have been canceled due to winter weather impacts, as announced by Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo.
Scranton’s Celebration
Scranton’s parade will start on Saturday, March 14, at 11:45 a.m. The event begins with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral, according to the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County.
The 64th annual Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade will travel from St. Peter’s Cathedral down Wyoming Avenue, passing the Marketplace at Steamtown, and concluding at the intersection of North Washington Avenue and Vine Street.
The Brian P. Kelly Race will begin at 11 a.m., honoring the former parade association president. This year’s event will see Erin Keating, superintendent of the Scranton School District, as the first female grand marshal, and it will honor the memory of several community members.
Wilkes-Barre’s Annual Parade
Wilkes-Barre will host its 46th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. The parade will navigate along South Main Street, encircle Public Square, and finish at North Main Street and Union Street.
This year’s event introduces the Diamond City Shamrock 5k walk/run, supporting colorectal cancer awareness, aligning with National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Milford’s Third Annual Parade
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is set to present the Third Annual Milford St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 21, at 3 p.m.
Teresa and Larry O’Leary, who moved to Milford in 2017, will serve as grand marshals. The parade will feature performances by the Scranton Black Diamonds and Penn York Highlanders.
Stroudsburg’s Longstanding Tradition
The Pocono Irish American Club is preparing for its 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 22, commencing at 1:15 p.m.
Club President Kimberly FitzPatrick highlights the community-driven nature of the parade, which covers nearly 2 miles starting from Stroudsburg High School. This year, MaryAnne Heeter, noted for her extensive community service, will be the grand marshal.
