Parade of Shamrocks marches through emerald-hued Bethlehem (PHOTOS)

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Standing on Main Street on Saturday afternoon, decked out in shamrock leggings, a sparkly shamrock scarf and white and green beads with little shamrock flags, Bonnie Sohn waited for the parade to begin.

“I graduated from Liberty, so the band,” said Sohn, of Easton, when asked what she was most looking forward to. “It’s a good time, and then you get to enjoy all the food from restaurants around town.”

The Parade of Shamrocks, hosted by Celtic Cultural Alliance, kicked off at 1 p.m. Saturday, winding its way through the city’s Northside.

The sidewalks were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, creating a sea of green revelers, drinking, eating, singing and shouting along as the parade, made up of local dance groups, bands, classic cars, first responders, businesses and more, passed by.

Their first year at the parade, Karen Purtell and Devra Rafeld, neighbors from Emmaus, said they didn’t know how many people would be drawn to the event.

They were sitting on a curb on Main Street, waiting for the parade to reach them.

“It’s big,” said Purtell. “I didn’t realize how many people were coming — it’s great. It’s fun to see everybody out in the community.”

Rafeld was quick to add, “It’s great to see everybody in their green.”

An ongoing tradition

The parade has been an ongoing tradition in the city for more than a decade, with a few years recently missed due to inclement weather, the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as financial issues.

Last year’s parade was the first since 2019, after the CCA entered into a partnership with the city.

The CCA also presents the annual Celtic Classic festival, the largest Celtic celebration in North America, each fall in Bethlehem.

In March 2024, CCA was awarded a $75,000 grant from the state to help with the cost to bring performers and athletes, along with other entertainment.

The alliance on Sept. 26-28 will celebrate its 38th Celtic Classic.

‘Eat, drink and be merry’

The parade began along West Broad Street, taking a right down Main and ending under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge.

Some revelers were saving their spots an hour before the parade was set to start — laying down blankets or chairs to ward off others.

Andrea Woodring, of Nazareth, was set up on camping chairs near the Broad Street bridge. Her family learned from last year, she said, and picked a spot with a clear shot to the parking garage for a quick exit when the parade concluded.

“I swear it's gotten bigger every year,” Woodring said, noting that last year’s event was cold, but at least the sun was out.

The skies remained cloudy on Saturday, but rain didn’t fall.

Outside restaurants on Main Street, many were taking advantage of outdoor seating provided by the businesses.

One of those was Julie Sanders, of Bethlehem, who had a group situated outside of Touch Thai Restaurant in the 500 block of Main Street. Each year, they grab the same table and meet with friends to watch the parade.

“It’s a good seat — we support local businesses,” said Sanders, noting the highlights of the parade, like the bagpipers, the Irish wolfhounds and the Liberty High School Grenadier Marching Band.

“That’s why we like this spot — you can eat, drink and be merry,” said Lisa Kucsan, of Fountain Hill.