PITTSTON, Pa. — The streets of Pittston will be green as far as the eye can see this Saturday for the 11th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Organizers say a lot goes into preparing for the big day.
"It is a year-long process. We have to fundraise. The pipe bands aren't free, so we do a lot of fundraising to put this parade on, and it's pretty expensive to put it on, but it is so worth it to see everyone happy," said Sarah Donahue with the parade committee.
More than 90 community organizations are taking part in the parade, including performances by the Emerald Isle step dancers.
"I love seeing all of the happy kids sitting on the sidewalks. Once the last division starts going down Main Street, I will walk with it and take all of that in. I look at the kids and how happy they are and seeing the families making memories right in our hometown," said Donahue.
But before the parade even steps off, runners will lace up for the Leprechaun Loop 5-K and one-mile fun walk at 10:30 a.m.
"We encourage all of our runners to come in their best green, leprechaun, St. Patrick's Day outfits. Even if you're not running, come down. You could win a prize just for being in costume," said parade committee member Tiffany Ferentino.
Organizers urge everyone to come for the parade but stay to explore downtown.
"We hope they watch the parade then go to one of our businesses to have a bite to eat, have a snack or an adult beverage if they are an adult later in the day to see what we've added to Pittston in the last year because we really have added a lot of new businesses," said Donahue.
The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. For a list of parade day festivities, click HERE.
Check out last year's Pittston St. Patrick's Parade on WNEP's YouTube channel: