WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The streets of Wilkes-Barre will soon be filled with people sporting their best orange, green, and white. The St. Patrick's Parade steps off Sunday on South Main Street.
"Right down from the Wilkes sign all the way down to public square. We are going to have all kinds of fun this year. We have the balloons back, we have a bunch of pipe and drum bands that will be coming," said Mike Slusser, Special events coordinator for the city.
This year marks 44 years of the parade, and more than 100 community groups and performers are expected to take part.
"I love the energy of parade day because it's a lot of families, a lot of kids we have a ton of great groups, it's a nice parade. Everyone comes out and is excited. It's the beginning of spring is the best way to say it," added Slusser.
Downtown restaurants and bars are gearing up for the crowds. Rodano's owner says this will be the restaurant's 15th parade day.
"I always say when people come in here, it is like a sea of green because everyone is dressed up, including our employees. They have a lot of fun with it. My favorite part is the bagpipers. We get them every year, the ones that participate in the parade," said Frank Rodano, owner of Rodano's.
It won't just be a busy weekend for his place, but others too.
"There's a couple bars like Vesuvio's and Beer Boys down here, so it's a destination just like Scranton," added Rodano.
"And it's not just for the restaurants or the bars, but Boscov's does great; there are great shops downtown you can stop at, and people are coming in and out all day," said Slusser.
The parade steps off at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.