The streets of downtown Scranton are busy with cars now, but this weekend they’ll be closed off for a show of patriotism as the Northeast Pennsylvania Armed Forces Day Parade gets underway.

“We have lots of entries this year, so it’s going to be a little longer. Right now, the weather looks beautiful. Hopefully it stays that way,” said Sean O’Shea, 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade President.

Sean O’Shea, Mark Hoover, Tim Booth, and the others on the Armed Forces Day Parade Committee are eager to kick off another year of excitement, celebrating those who serve.

The third parade since it was brought back after COVID. This year, the men are excited to celebrate our troops and the 250th anniversary of America.

“Well, the parade itself is really going to be, it always gets a good response. It gets a good crowd, but then it’s going to conclude here on Courthouse Square, and at Courthouse Square, there’s going to be a lot of activities for anybody that comes down. There’s going to be static displays of military equipment. There’s going to be the VA van, and the Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Office is going to set up a table so that if they have any questions, they can get those answered,” said Tim Booth, Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs.

There are a few new things happening at the parade this year, including a sensory block that will be set up along Wyoming Avenue, along with a block party that’s scheduled to kick off at the end of the parade along the 500 block of Linden Street.

“And it is sponsored by the American Ukrainian Veterans Association of Lackawanna County. There’s going to be spirits, live music. It’s going to be a great afternoon,” said Mark Hoover, 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade Vice President.

And yes, there is a lot of construction happening downtown these days, but don’t worry.

Parade officials and City leaders are prepared to keep things running smoothly despite a few literal bumps in the road.

“Every year we are coming back a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger. We got lots in store this weekend, something for everyone,” said O’Shea.

If you’re looking to celebrate our troops and the nation’s birthday, a 5k race will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m.