Pocono News Section

Scranton Parade Preps in Full Swing

Scranton Parade Preps in Full Swing - Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 4:25PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010 @ 05:25pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Excitement is building in the Electric City. There are now just four days until the annual Scranton St. Patrick's Day parade steps off.

Besides all the spectators and marchers, there will also be plenty of police. Eyewitness News spoke with Police Chief Dave Elliott Tuesday morning. He was working on staffing plans for his department.

He says there will be plenty of officers in uniform and in plain clothes, keeping everyone safe on the parade route. He says there will also be a renewed commitment in the Hill section of the city.

Irish eyes were smiling down on the city of Scranton Tuesday morning as crews painted the parade route green. Police and prosecutors were focusing on security downtown and city-wide.

Lackawanna County D. A. Andy Jarbola said, ÒWe will have some increased police presence up in the Hill Section for parties that are gonna be carried on by the University of Scranton students."

Prosecutors say house parties in the "Hill" have been a problem over the last few years. That's something the students themselves even know. Freshman Tayler Pallotta said, ÒIt gets very crazy. Sometimes out of hand."

University of Scranton Junior Phil LeRoy said, ÒA lot of drinking. A lot of drinking. Underage drinking. A lot of good house parties but its a good feeling. EveryoneÕs happy."

Police are working with the Public Safety Department at the University of Scranton to keep everyone safe. They say they'll be enforcing any "visible violation of the law."

Saturday will be the first official day of spring break. ÒI think itÕs a good thing for the safety of the students. I know a lot of people have friends that come up to visit, so I don't think it can hurt," said LeRoy.

ÒI think the police know that we're gonna be drinking and I think they need to look out for worse things that are going to be happening...like fights breaking out and stupid stuff like that," added Pallotta.

For many students they just hope the extra presence prevents tragedies. University of Scranton Sophomore Casey Kelly said, ÒIf you're partying that hard, itÕs not worth it. You're not gonna feel good in the morning about it."

If you can't make it out to the parade, WBRE and WYOU are broadcasting the parade live Saturday afternoon from downtown Scranton. You can also catch it streaming live right here on PAHomePage. com.