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Stroudsburg goes green

Parade draws thousands
Stroudsburg's 46th annual Saint Patrick's day parade, March 23, 2025, brought participants from all over.
Stroudsburg’s 46th annual Saint Patrick’s day parade, March 23, 2025, brought participants from all over.
Molly DeRosa

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.

Stroudsburg High School Marching Band is directed by Harold Cassady; the SHS Color Guard is directed by Donna Keslosky and Patti Weiss. Photo by Molly DeRosa

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.

This looks like an Austin Healey classic car, a British sports car produced between 1952 and 1970. Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.

This appears to be a classic Chevy Deluxe two-door sedan, possibly a 1939 edition. Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.

Big Foot Country radio station of the Poconos at 96.7 and 97.3 FM appeared in the parade while the Bigfoot mascot waved to parade-goers. Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.

Artemis Crystals of East Stroudsburg made quite the impression with their giant green blowup dragon mascot.Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.

Pocono Services for Families and Children represented their Early Learning Center location in East Stroudsburg, the “Yes” center in Tannersville, and their Mountain Center in Tobyhanna with a spring floral-themed school bus.Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.

Pocono Township Fire Department serves Pocono Township and its surrounding municipalities is based in Tannersville. Photo by Molly DeRosa.

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.)

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