AJ News

By Gerard Hetman ghetman@thabingtonjournal.com

SCRANTON - For many residents of Northeast Pennsylvania, the sights and sounds of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Scranton are a familiar sight. From clowns and marching bands to antique cars and the ubiquitous drink specials, the festive day in March seems to have something for everyone.

Apparently, that includes the bunch at Dunder-Mifflin.

In preparation for an episode of NBC’s “The Office” that will air during the show’s upcoming season, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently collected Scranton-related items with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Select items from the collection will be used as props in an upcoming episode of “The Office” that will feature scenes during the annual parade. While the episode will be taped in California, producers were looking to collect as many items as possible related with Scranton and “parade day” festivities, according to Mari Potis, membership director for the chamber.

“We deal with the show’s producers on a regular basis in terms of collecting props since the pilot episode, but this was something where they wanted a few more items than usual, so we decided to open it up to the community and see what we could find.”

Potis added that in order for items to be considered, two identical items must have been included, along with a release form that allows the show’s producers to use the items on the set. While the most recent call for props concluded Monday, Jan. 18, with about 20 submissions, Potis said “prop drops” are conducted each July for anyone interested in contributing a Scranton-themed item for consideration.

“We have a collection that is advertised each July where anyone can submit something for consideration to be used on the show. In the past we have had hundreds of items submitted.”

For information on how the next “prop drop,” contact the chamber at 570.342.7711.