Green is the color of the day in Thorpe
Few wear the green better in Jim Thorpe than Noel and Bernadette Behan.
It’s only fitting then that the first family of the Carbon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade led the 21st version of the event down Broadway in front of thousands of revelers Sunday as co-grand marshals.
Noel, who helped bring the vision of a local parade to reality in 1997, called it “an honor” for the couple to not only serve in the role, but to be the first Irish immigrants to do so in the event’s history.
“It’s been a great day,” he added. “We have a wonderful day for a parade and a great crowd. It’s been very special.”
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As usual, crowds converged on downtown Jim Thorpe throughout the morning leading up to the parade at 1 p.m.
It wasn’t hard to tell what holiday was being celebrated as many of the visitors were clad from head to toe in St. Patrick’s Day garb.
“Haven’t missed one in 10 years,” said Joe McMahon of Scranton. “We usually have two or three vans full of friends that come down. This is one of the best parades in the area. They have a great tradition here.”
Behind the Behans were three divisions of participants, including a number of bagpipe, drum and dance bands, local politicians and fire companies, and other area agencies.
Parade organizers from the Carbon County Ancient Order of Hibernians, Alec Campbell Division 1 and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Mollie Maguire Division 1 of Carbon County made their traditional stop at the Old Mauch Chunk Jail Museum to honor the Molly Maguires and recognize their efforts for fair labor.
For many, however, the highlight of the day was the bagpipe bands, which give the parade that Irish flair.
“I love seeing how the crowds react,” said bagpiper Ron Thomas. “This is really why we do it. I know a lot of people have had a few beverages in them by the time we come down, but if they’re having a good time then we’re doing our job.”
According to the AOH, bagpipe bands run between $600 and $1,200 each for the parade.
Along the parade route, many Jim Thorpe residents host their own parties, adding to the atmosphere.
“It’s a very laid-back atmosphere,” Dianna Keeling said. “What we love about it is it’s almost like a big street party with a parade right in the middle of it.”