On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Stroudsburg held its 46th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition that brings the community together to celebrate Irish culture and tradition. Spectators lined the streets, wearing green to show their festive spirit.
The Pocono Irish American Club (PIAC) hosted the event, and the procession began at Stroudsburg High School on Main Street. Celebrations began at the Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) at noon, while the parade started at 1:15 p.m.
Newswatch 16 reporter and former Stroudsburg High School graduate Emily Kress covered the event. She interviewed several parade-goers, restaurant managers, and the PIAC president for her broadcast.
Local businesses like The Goat, Finola’s, and Chris’s restaurant were highlighted by Kress. This year’s grand marshall was Paula Fitzpatrick, former PIAC president and Fitzpatrick Irish and Celtic store on Main Street.
Local businesses and restaurants planned well in advance of the big day, expecting thousands. A variety of live entertainment was booked, including local bands, marching bands, bagpipe bands, dancers, and other performers.
Specialty foods and beverages were ordered, and regular favorites were stocked. Participants and attendees were represented accordingly in all shades of green, but a variety of vibrant colors and cultural attire were also on display.
The Stroudsburg High School Marching Band took part in the parade, playing a variety of songs for the crowd. The band was led by Liam Munian, ’26, and William Awuah, ’25, who helped keep everyone in sync. The SHS Color Guard also performed and represented in the parade.
A procession of classic and vintage cars followed, some handing out candy as well. This seemed to be a crowd favorite as onlookers cheered in awe of the rare car sightings.
Drivers seemed relieved to have their prized possessions out for display on a dry and sunny day, unlike some parades of the past. Most of the floats were packed with people, either riding on the back or walking alongside, handing out candy, pens, and other promotional items.
Mascots of all kinds were on display: some were full-body costumes like the Big Foot FM mascot, and others were full-size yard blowup decorations like the Artemis Crystals’ huge green dragon mascot.
Other decor was hand-crafted and original for the event, like Pocono Services for Families and Children, who went with a floral-themed school bus topped with a promotional display to celebrate an upcoming event marking 60 years of service to the Monroe County communities.
Throughout the parade, local fire trucks were lined up, blasting sirens while firefighters hyped the crowd. The crowds cheered and waved to local volunteers. As the last truck rolled through, the sirens faded away, signaling the end of the parade.
This year’s parade was a major success with record attendance, likely due to the favorable weather conditions. As the sirens faded out, the parade came to an end on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg.
If you missed the parade, you’ll have a few more chances to view it. The Pocono Mountains Visitor Bureau’s channel, PoconoTelevision.com, will re-air the Stroudsburg Parade on April 2, 7, and 9 at 6 p.m.
The parade is made possible by the dedicated sponsors and participants who give their time and money to make this event happen. If you would like to be a sponsor or a participant for next year, you need to contact the Pocono Irish American Club.
(All photos taken by staff member Molly DeRosa.)
