Cold temperatures and some strong winds couldn’t keep thousands from enjoying Scranton’s 64th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.
This year’s parade boasted 145 entries, including bagpipe bands, high school bands, Irish step dancers and cheerleaders. Life-sized leprechauns and shamrocks made their way through the crowd, greeting children and providing the chance for a quick selfie.
Aliza Mullin said in spite of chilly temperatures, the parade and activities surrounding it were a great way to spend a day out with four of her children.
Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums performs in the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Marchers toss candy during the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Spectators are handed flags during the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band performs during the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A dog walks with the Dempsey parade entry during the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums performs in the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Scranton on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
And although Mullin and her fiancé Jason Marold enjoyed the colorful floats and marching bands, the Mullin children enjoyed the simpler parts of the parade.
For Emily Mullin, 7, and her sister Harper Mullin, 5, the best part of the parade was free balloons. For Winston Mullin, 8, and Talon Mullin, 10, it was all about the candy handed out by several parade participants.
The day opened with a Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
John Swarts attended the service with his daughter, Bridget, 12, a member of the Joyce School of Irish Dance.
A Catholic church service is a call back to Irish Catholic heritage, the roots of the day’s activities, he said.
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, spoke about St. Patrick’s life as one of humility. Having been sold as a slave in Ireland, he later returned there to preach in a spirit of forgiveness.
Bambera also took time for a bit of levity, joking that he recognized several attendees from Friday evening’s Friendly Sons of St. Patrick annual dinner, and wondered if they were just coming back from the Scranton Cultural Center where it was held.
Downtown awash in revelry
Many parade-goers stopped for a drink or a bite to eat at businesses near the parade route.
Tim Borthwick, owner of Electric City Ciderworks, opened his Scranton location for the first time just hours before the parade.
A lifelong Scranton resident, Borthwick remembers attending the event as a young boy and felt the day was special.
Shortly after opening the doors on Saturday, the business was nearly full.
“Today is trial by fire,” he said.
Hunter Reichling of Lake Ariel had a great day with 11 friends, each decked out in green Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins gear.
After parade activities, the group planned to head to the Penguins game.
“It’s a big day,” Reichling said.
Keeping parade day safe
Scranton police officers and other law enforcement officers were working to keep parade day safe both in person and remotely.
From their command center at police headquarters, officers were able to keep a careful eye on activities throughout the parade route.
Should there be concern about activity or behavior, an officer would approach someone on the street to make contact and deter them from any criminal activity.
Officers along the parade route directed traffic, answered questions and kept an eye out for any problems.
Scranton police chief Thomas Carroll, said the day revolved around keeping people safe.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to keep our city, our families, our community safe,” he said.