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RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

SCRANTON -- As expected, throngs lined the streets of Scranton to enjoy the 48th annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday.

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The Phillie Phanatic gives high fives during the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday. Don Carey Times Leader Photo.

Don Carey

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Members of the Irem Temple strut their stuff in full feathered regalia during the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade. Don Carey Times Leader Photo

Don Carey

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Ten parade divisions marched through the streets in the spring-like weather playing lively Irish music, step-dancing, waving banners and generally having a good time.

More than 300 entries, including bagpipe bands, high school marching bands, gymnasts, pet rescues, local businesses and labor unions, police and fire departments, proudly strutted their stuff in the best adornments. There were also large elaborate floats. In the spirit of fun, twirlers threw flaming batons, young athletes tumbled and flipped, motorbike riders performed wheelies, men in pink dresses played string instruments, and one little dog even rode a skateboard.

Tommy Culkin, honorary marshal for this year’s parade, estimated more than 11,000 marchers participated. Representatives from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as New York City and Philadelphia showed their Irish pride, he said.

Seven judges from the Scranton Area School District reviewed each display to determine the winners of 19 awards, including the best Irish dancing, best Irish music, best scholastic music, best parade loyalty, most beautiful, most patriotic and best Irish cultural themed, among others, according to Bambi Coyle, parade coordinator from the Scranton Saint Patrick Parade Association.

The Emerald Isle Step Dancers took the award for best Irish dancing, Black Diamond Pipe Band won the award for best Irish music, North Pocono High School band won best scholastic music, best parade loyalty went to the Stuckert family and the Lake Ariel United Methodist Church won the most beautiful award. The judges’ favorite award was given to the Irem Temple Motor Corps.

Cathy Vannort, music teacher from the Scranton School District and a judge, said the floats have “clearly improved” through the years. Overall the judges could see the effort and pride put into them by their creativeness and knack for staying true to the Saint Patrick’s parade theme.

John Michaely, proud marcher and president of a local Ancient Order of Hibernians order, said his group has participated in the parade for more than 30 years. With 780 members in Lackawanna County, the AOH sent representatives to march in Northern Ireland.

Marty Eagan and his son Marty, also AOH members, looked forward to the after-parade party the AOH sponsored at the Holy Rosary Hall in Scranton. Todd Frick shouted, “It’s the best after- parade party in the city.”

Gene Hallinan, parade coordinator, said the after-parade fun is the best part of the day. That’s when the members of all the committees and participants can “kick back” and really enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie.

Coyle said the committee provided a shuttle bus service to transport members from the various bagpipe bands to local establishments.

Caitlin Costello and Maureen Murphy headed their troupe of step dancers during the parade. Costello said the dancers, who ranged in age from 4 to 17, love the event. They work hard in preparation for weeks in advance, Costello said.

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Video report by April Barton, shot by John Baldino.