STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Thousands will take to Main Street in Stroudsburg this Sunday to celebrate Irish heritage.
"We love to show off our Irish heritage," said Brian Gallagher, president of the Pocono Irish American Club. "We love that everyone wants to come out that day and be Irish, and we welcome that. The whole idea is to bring the community together."
The Pocono Irish American Club has put on the parade for the last 45 years. Gallagher says there's a lot to see this year.
"We have nine pipe bands. We have three string bands—the mummers coming up from Philly. We have two local high schools, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, and for the first time we have ESU and their cheer squad, along with a ton of floats."
Business owners tell Newswatch 16 that parade day is one of the busiest days of the year so they make sure they're well stocked.
"We've got all the Irish dishes on here, and we have a lot of Guinness in place ready to go. We've got a delivery coming," said Des Conboy, owner of Finola's Irish Pub.
Sunday's parade marks Finola's Irish Pub's second year in business. Conboy says they can't wait for everyone to flock to Main Street.
"Lots of people in here looking out at the parade, standing on the streets, great community spirit, lots of music, and lots of people chasing down their Irish heritage," Conboy said.
At Newberry's Yard of Ale, preparations are also in full swing with beer deliveries. Owner Barry Lynch recently returned from Ireland to bring back something special for the restaurant.
"The reason for the trip was to pick up our annual shipment of Bisto, the Irish gravy that all of our moms used as we grew up in Ireland for our beef stews and shepherd's pie," Lynch said.
Even though the actual St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, there's still a lot to celebrate.
"It's a lot of fun; everybody looks forward to it," Lynch said. "It's a day to be proud, and it's a day to put our best foot forward."
"Seeing everybody, it's so heartwarming, it brings a tear to your eye," Gallagher said.
The parade steps off at 1:15 p.m. Sunday from Stroudsburg High School.