PITTSTON — The St. Patrick’s Parade season opened in Pittston Saturday, with its streets lined not only with carefully painted green stripes, but with residents for which the parade has become a tradition.
Members of the Burns family gathered on their porch, enthusiastically greeting neighbors as they prepared for the parade.
“It’s something that we do every year,” said Linda Burns, of her and her husband. “It’s a party, a kid-friendly party.”
Burns said the family has opened its home to family and friends throughout the parade’s six-year history.
“Afterwards, some of us go downtown and continue celebrating,” she said.
Events coordinator Sarah Donahue was grateful that this year’s weather provided the perfect backdrop for the parade, especially after a snowstorm last year meant numerous challenges in making the parade a reality.
More than 100 entries made their way down Main Street to the delight of over 10,000 parade goers, cheering as bands, businesses, bag-pipers and even the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile went by them, decked in green and glitter and generating excitement.
This year’s new addition, a large shamrock balloon likened to those used in much larger parades, was a special accomplishment for Donahue.
“We’re really excited about it,” said Donahue, as she looked down the street at the gigantic balloon towering above the street.
State Rep. Mike Carroll said, “After a long winter, it’s a wonderful day to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Greater Pittston.”
And Greater Pittston, he said, extended for miles in each direction on the day of the St. Patrick’s Parade.
Eric Filipiak, of Shavertown, intending to celebrate the day at city eateries and taverns, prepared for the day and the event by purchasing a deep green suit and tie, covered with shamrocks.
As Filipiak and his friends headed for downtown, their excitement was palpable.
“This is the definition of St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.
Little Miss Leprechaun, Lexi McCabe, was also sporting multiple shamrocks on a deep tulle dress, chosen for her by her mother after Lexi was crowned just last Sunday.
Lexi’s mother, Linzi, said the 4-year-old did feel very lucky.
“She said to me, ‘Mommy, I’m so lucky I have red hair and blue eyes. They’re both my favorite colors.’”