From the steps of the William J. Nealon Federal Building in downtown Scranton, Terri Gabriel and Judy Hughes could see it all - the Irish step dancers, the pipe bands, the people dressed like leprechauns.
"Everyone is great," Ms. Gabriel said. "The weather is great. It's a wonderful time."
Saturday's 51st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade included more than 12,000 participants. Organizers estimated the crowd to be between 140,000 and 150,000 people during the more than three-hour parade.
Temperatures in the mid 30s had attendees trying to find a place to stand in the sun. At some parts of the parade route, people stood six or seven deep from the curb.
Before the parade, Mass was held at St. Peter's Cathedral, and at 11:45 a.m. sharp, the parade started its one-mile route from there.
Girls from Double "R" Twirlettes threw flaming batons high into the air, and the float for Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply released bubbles. Dogs in the pit bull and greyhound rescue groups wore green feather boas, tutus and hats. The sounds of horns and bagpipes could be heard from blocks away.
Scranton firefighters passed out green beads, and free T-shirts from another parade participant had people running into the streets. Vendors peddled shamrock-shaped glasses and Irish flags. Food trucks sold hot dogs and deep-fried Oreos. Women wore glitter on their cheeks and children wore green wigs that sparkled.
People leaned out windows of apartments and office buildings, and lined the parking garage at the Mall at Steamtown.
The St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County claims the parade is the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country, when measured by participants per population of the city in which it's held. Savannah, Ga., is first, and New York City third, for cities with a population of more than 50,000, according to the parade committee.
On Saturday night, Scranton police Chief Dan Duffy said he did not yet have estimates as to how many people attended this year's parade but noted that there were few serious emergencies during the day.
"It was pretty quiet," he said. "It was relatively free from trouble this year."
For many people, the parade is a yearly tradition and a way to celebrate their heritage.
Ms. Gabriel, who wore a shirt that said "O'Gabriel," was in the parade 40 years ago as a "pom-pom girl" for West Scranton High School. She and her friends have gone to most parades since.
Noah Matyjevich, 9, and his 8-year-old sister, Olivia, watched the parade from along North Washington Avenue.
"I think it's really nice. I like it a lot," Noah said.
John McCormick served as grand marshal, and Mark C. Walsh was honorary grand marshal. Timothy J. Pryle was parade marshal, John P. Nealon was honorary parade marshal, and the Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J. served as honorary parade chaplain. Parade president is Mark Nealon and the court of honor was comprised of magistrates Thomas Golden, James Kennedy and Robert Russell. The parade was dedicated in memory of Jamie O'Boyle and Matt Flynn.
Ben Palmer and his mother traveled three hours to the parade. Like many children lining the route, he had a horn - and blew it frequently.
"It's pretty cool," the 6-year-old said of the parade.
Chuck LaJeunesse of Dallas came to the parade with his wife and friends. Wearing a green sequined top hat, he said most days he is not Irish.
"Today I am," he said.
Erin L. Nissley, staff writer, contributed to this report.
Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com
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