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By KALEN CHURCHER kchurcher@leader.net
Sunday, March 16, 2003 Page: 3A
WILKES-BARRE – It took a little thinking, but Brianna Fioti’s family
decided she was about a quarter Irish.
Ten-year-old Nick Ceppa figured he had about three quarters in him.
And 5-year-old Michael Johns, folding his thumb and index finger about an
inch apart, proudly declared he was “this much” Irish.
Most folks watching Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade through downtown
Wilkes-Barre were more than willing to say they had a little bit o’ the Irish
in them. One elderly woman even proclaimed she had green blood running through
her veins.
Blarney?
Perhaps, but there were enough jigs and shamrocks, Irish tunes and even an
Irish setter, to turn South Main Street into a makeshift Emerald isle for the
23rd annual event.
Ceppa said candy was his favorite part of the morning, as he rattled off a
list of treats tossed by marchers. Only about 30 minutes into the parade, the
Hanover Township resident already had obtained an impressive stash.
“It’s nice to see some activity in the downtown,” said Tony Fioti of the
Shavertown section of Kingston Township. Tony’s daughter Brianna, 10, wore a
“Luck O’ the Irish” hat and a green lei, while 2-year-old Joseph
concentrated on his lollipop.
Nice weather brought the Fiotis – including mom, Camille – to this year’s
parade. Though a crowd estimate was unavailable, dozens of organizations
including city high school marching bands, Brownie Troop 2918 of Plymouth, the
Kerry Dancers of Ashley and the new Luzerne County Transportation Authority
Trolley participated.
Throw in a couple of bagpiper ensembles, some shamrock antennas and a
shillelagh-toting mayor and you’ve got the makings for an event that would
make St. Patrick himself proud.
“Some people say Wilkes-Barre doesn’t have a good parade,” said one
watcher. “Who needs more than this?”
Kalen Churcher, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7329.