Prepared by historian Gary Duncan

Saturday, March 11, 2017

It was comprised of 10 divisions with each division named for Irish inventors who ranged from John Joly, inventor of color photography, to Frank Pantrige who invented the portable defibrillator, to John O’Sullivan who discovered WIFI. A full list is below for those who would opt to reference it.

Parade temperatures:

The high temp was 22 degrees. The low was 13. Maximum sustained winds of 21 mph took place, making it feel like 10 degrees. People brought hand & foot warmers, & one couple brought a portable gas heater. Later that same week, NEPA had a nor’easter-so in spite of the cold, we dodged a weather bullet by a matter of 3 days.

The nights before the parade we received numerous questions as to whether or not the parade would take place-This quote from our social media page was released:

“We have been receiving a lot of questions about the weather. The Irish in North Eastern Pa., came here due to hard times in Ireland. Our ancestors, went through the worst of times even when they arrived here. There is NO POSSIBLE WAY that a couple of inches of snow, and a nip in the air are going to stop us tomorrow!!! 

PUT ON AN EXTRA LAYER OF GREEN….Hope to see you all out in the streets.”

2017 Parade Dignitaries:

Grand Marshal: Dave Clark

Honorary Grand Marshal: Dr. Karen Murphy

Parade Marshal: Robert J. Lynett

Honorary Parade Marshal: Gerrie Fitzgerald Carey 

Honorary Parade Chaplain: Father Cy, Cyril Edwards

Parade Association President: Jimmy Keeler

2017 Scranton Parade Awards & Dedications:

The Humanitarian Award: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Catherine Walsh

Parade Dedication: Parade association Sergeant at Arms, James/Jimmy Calpin