Jonathan Mostafa
Staff Writer
The Pocono Irish American Club (PIAC) has cancelled the Stroudsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is with regret that due to the continuing pandemic restrictions, the PIAC will not be able to move forward with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2021,” a Facebook post made on the PIAC’s website read, “We do have our 2022 parade scheduled for March 20.”
“With the current limitations put into place by the CDC regarding gatherings, among other things, it just was not feasible to hold the event this year, which was an incredibly tough decision to make,” stated Brian Gallagher, President of the PIAC.
Gallagher went on to state that they are hoping to be able to hold an event in Stroudsburg later this year around September.
Though it will not be a parade, he is hopeful that maybe it will turn into an annual event for the community to enjoy.
Every year prior to the pandemic in 2020, thousands would flood the streets of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg boroughs with their families and friends to watch the firetrucks, ambulances and police vehicles sound their sirens, as well as the numerous businesses and faces that walk the parade route tossing candy for spectators to enjoy.
“Every year the parade draws tens of thousands of people to the area, and without that, area businesses suffer a great deal,” stated Drew, an employee at Floods Bar and Grill, located on Main Street in Stroudsburg.
There is no denying that the cancellation also draws a negative economic impact to area businesses as well.
Each year during the parade, there is always a myriad of businesses selling St Patrick’s Day themed food or drinks.
For example, Goomba’s Pizza and their monster green slice, or the green beer you could get at any of the food and drink establishments, like Siamsa’s Irish Pub.
If you would like to learn more about Irish culture or want to join the PIAC, you can visit their website at poconoirishamericanclub.com.
Email Jonathan At:
jmostafa@live.esu.edu
