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Pocono News Section
Scranton Bars Change Game Plan to Rain Plan
Scranton Bars Change Game Plan to Rain Plan - Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 04:55AM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday March 13 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Are you ready to party? The City of Scranton certainly is - with about 100,000 friends. Despite the forecast of rain, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade is still going on, but itÕs changing the way things are done. Many businesses had to change their typical game plan to a rain plan. For businesses like KildareÕs here as you can see that involves a whole lot of tents going up in the parking lot. As the storm clouds rolled in over Scranton Friday, businesses told Mother Nature she wasn't going to rain on their parade. Places like Kildare's set up tent after tent in their parking lot, and even on their roof-top bar. Stu Sperazza of J&S Party Tent Rentals said, ÒLast year, they only had one 20x40, this year, they actually got several more, which you know, is good." Beer delivery guys were probably the hardest workers in town Friday. They made stop after stop, block after block, at bar after bar. At Kildare's they're instituting a new ticket system. To buy a drink you'll need to buy a $5 ticket. Managers say it'll save time and aggravation. ÒYou're three deep at the bar, someone has a $20 bill -- they want to get a drink -- and you have to wait 20 minutes -- its ridiculous. You don't have to wait for change. The bartenders don't have to turn their backs on you," said Kildare's General Manager Deno Chiavacci. Across the street at the Radisson, the rain has forced some people to stay home. GM Michael Kearney said, ÒRoom-wise, we've had a couple cancellations, which we'll re-fill quickly. A lot of preparations have taken place, a lot of excitement. ItÕs full-speed ahead." Outside of Traxx's bar, the stage is all set for bands to play. And the one thing that stands out is the number of portable toilets they have. There are more than 20 -- as far as your Irish eyes can see. As for Irish spirit, itÕs everywhere you look in Scranton right now, despite the threat of rain. ÒWe've gotten thru this in the past and we know the Irish people are a tough, resilient group. They'll tough it out," added Kearney. While the parade is a family friendly event, some people will indulge too much. As a result $10 taxi vouchers will be available at bars downtown Saturday. The goal is to keep everyone safe. | | |
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