Pocono News Section

Mother Nature Rains on Parade, Doesn't Stop Party

Mother Nature Rains on Parade, Doesn't Stop Party - Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 05:19AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Saturday March 13 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- With strong winds, cold temperatures and a steady drizzle most of the day, Scranton officials think about half the usual crowd showed up.

Mother Nature may have rained on the parade, but she didnt wash out the party. Colleen Tanis of Pottsville said, "Rain won't ruin our fun time."

Kate Vigilante of Scranton said, "We just enjoy it and we enjoy being together."

She has attended the parade every year since she was a kid. Now she brings her grandchildren. And this year they got a prime spot - right up front. "Today it's wonderful....today they can see everything," she told Eyewitness News.

Most years they have to fight crowds. But not this year. There were stretches several hundred feet long with no spectators. The only crowded spots - were under shelter.

Jeremy Holgate of Dalton said, "We had no problem parking anywhere."

This couple easily navigated their son's stroller through the streets. "It's awesome. It's awesome," added Holgate.

When the wind and rain got to be too much for some people - they took the party indoors. Brittany Hartmas of Tunkhannock said, "It's like once a year that this comes to Scranton. It's like a really big part of Scranton. You can't let the weather get in the way of that."

While Molly Branigan's was crowded, it wasn't quite as busy as usual. Owner Dave Magrogan said, "We're seeing that people are coming out but definitely not in the droves that you would see."

Vendors said they earned less than usual. But they tried to look on the bright side. Vendor Shawn Dellinger said, "It's more money than what we came with."

Despite the weather - thousands of people still showed off their Irish pride from head to toe. "The hardcore parade goers are out this year," said Hartmas.