First Posted: 3/11/2014
The owners of McGrath’s Pub and Eatery in Dalton understand when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, the Scranton Parade is king.
Thousands of spectators line the streets each year to take part in a day of merriment and lots of green. The mass exodus to Scranton is expected, but it won’t stop resturants and bars in the Abingtons from opening their doors. After all, just because people go to the parade doesn’t mean they have to stay.
“We will open at 11 a.m. and have a short menu throughout the day,” McGrath’s Manager Eric Stanley said. “People may go to the parade and then stop back here.”
McGrath’s will feature a solo acoustic guitar performance from Johnny D from 3 to 7 p.m. and the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band will perform from 7 to 8 p.m., with Mace In Dickson taking the stage at 8 p.m., closing out the night’s entertainment.
State Street Grill in Clarks Summit will have the parade on their TV’s and be ready to go when folks return to the area for lunch.
“We will be busy,” Tom Hill, manager said. “People who want to stay away from Scranton will come in for dinner. It is not a bad day for us.”
Owners at JJ Bridges in Clarks Summit aren’t expecting a hit to business either. Though the parade, which will start at 11:45 a.m., may draw huge numbers, not everyone will stay in Scranton.
“It will be a pretty decent day for us,” co-owner, John Kerzitsky, said. “People will come in for lunch and dinner. The parade is beneficial to us and helps us, but we do not get the business they get in Scranton.”