Published March 24. 2026 11:24AM
Blustery wind gusts may have had spectators arriving later than usual and fewer blankets laid along the parade route to reserve seating, but the Celtic Cultural Alliance’s Parade of Shamrocks still delivered the spirit expected at an event leading into St. Patrick’s Day.
City of Bethlehem public safety workers led the parade with politicians, businesses, canine related organizations, veterans, school and bagpipe bands, dancers, reenactors, classic car and jeep enthusiasts, Girl Scouts, and many others forming up the parade on West Broad Street and following a route east that turned onto Main Street, much to the delight of throngs of Bethlehem area residents and others from beyond the area.
Children rejoiced along the route as parade participants ventured into the crowds to entertain or say hello, and an occasional wind gust dislodged a hat or costume part along the way, making for a quick chase to regain the wind blown piece.
Perhaps Andrew Pergantis of Reading, whose birthday falls on the actual St. Patrick’s Day of March 17, summed it up when he said, “today I’m 99 percent Greek and 1 percent Irish.”
The percentages may vary for each of us, but aren’t we all part Irish when it’s time to celebrate at this time of the year?
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBA Leprechaun accordionist entertains spectators. Photo coverage continues on A2, A3.
A decked out Andrew Pergantis attends his second Parade of Shamrocks. The Reading resident celebrates his birthday on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Parade of Shamrocks was led by the City’s police motorcycle unit, fire department and police mounted patrol.
The Celtic United Pipes and Drums march and perform on Main Street. More photos on A3.
These wee dance students from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance pass by the throngs of spectators.
The East Hills Chargers Band wore their finest green outfits to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day.
Veterans from the United States Submarine Service Pocono Base towed a scale model submarine to commemorate their service.
Young spectators crowd around a parade participant to meet her dog.
The Broughal MS Rockets march proudly on Main Street.
Owners with their Irish Wolfhounds were one of several canine themed groups participating.
The Kutztown Pipe Band was the second group of pipers to entertain on the parade route.
The Northeast MS Hornets and their mascot greet viewers and perform near the end of the parade route.
