The streets of Milford, PA, came alive on Saturday, March 21, as the borough celebrated the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.
Kicking off at 3 p.m. from Ann Street Park, the parade featured colorful floats, marching bands, Irish bagpipers, and local organizations, drawing families and residents from across the region for an afternoon filled with music, tradition, and festive fun.
Family fun and tradition
Visitors of all ages enjoyed the parade and the community spirit it brought. For some, the event is a long-standing tradition.
“We’ve been here every year so far,” said William, attending with his family. “It’s just getting bigger and bigger. It’s been pretty amazing. The kids have a great time… getting the candy, seeing what they’re gonna get, and having fun.”
Katrina, also attending with her children, noted, “Favorite part is enjoying themselves. The kids love going on, getting the candy, seeing what they’re gonna get, and having fun, they’re enjoying themselves.”
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Even for local families without Irish heritage, the parade remains a highlight of the year. Marissa, a Milford resident, said, “We live in the town, so just family fun… they’ve grown up doing it every year.” Shanice added, “From the last two, I think what they give to the kids… candy, stickers, little activities. The kids like the fire truck sounds and everything that comes around.”
William agreed, noting the musical traditions of the parade: “We love Celtic music… the bagpipes are always awesome when they come through.”
Community and cultural celebration
The parade also serves as a celebration of Irish heritage and a chance for community members to come together.
Jeff, a first-time attendee, said, “We like the party… the beer, people gathering together.”
Marissa highlighted the broader value, stating, “Different cultures being familiar with other people’s cultures… you don’t need to be Irish to enjoy it.”
Jeanine Passaro, Executive Director of Pike Autism Support Services, emphasized the parade’s significance for local organizations: “Well, because it’s our 30th anniversary… we’re part of the community, and we wanted to participate… we’re happy to be marching out there and seeing everybody.”
Keeping tradition alive: the bands
One of the highlights of the parade is the performance of traditional Irish music, led by groups like the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band.
Pipe Major Jimmy Losavich shared the group’s mission: “This is what our group does. We are a parade band, so if we don’t participate in parades, then what’s the point? We like showing the traditional dress and the traditional music to everybody that attends… It’s something you certainly don’t see every day.”
The band has been performing for over 30 years, with members of all ages. Losavich’s daughter, Bridget, 10, recently joined as a tenor drummer, and a young member, Liam, carries the banner with aspirations to play the drum in future parades.
“I like showing people what it could be, what the pipes could be, and what they should be with the full dress and the full regalia,” Losavich said.
The band’s detailed uniforms include ostrich feather bonnets, military-style doublets, sporrans, and full regalia—a process that takes about an hour to prepare before marching.
Community service and brotherhood
Other parade participants included local civic groups, such as the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Mountain Council #9832, representing Milford and Dingmans Ferry. Robert Skillin explained their participation: “We help the community and help our church out… About the parade, it’s a continuation of our community, of our brotherhood… seeing all the friendly faces waved to us.”
The group includes members of all ages—many retired—and celebrates Irish-American heritage while welcoming the entire community.
Among the participants was Jeannemarie Passaro, Executive Director and co-founder of Pike Autism Support Services of Northeast PA, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“We’ve been supporting the autism and special needs community of Pike County for 30 years… we’re part of the community, and we wanted to participate,” she said.
The organization provides social and recreational programs, including baseball, holiday events, and support groups for individuals on the spectrum, as well as parents and caregivers. Passaro shared that her work was inspired by her own son: “As soon as he was diagnosed, we were looking for ways to help him and support him, and that’s how our group was started.”
She added that her favorite part of the parade is: “Everybody in the community… we’re happy to be marching out there and seeing everybody.”
A family-friendly celebration
The parade offered something for everyone—from floats and marching bands to candy for kids and cultural showcases. Visitors agreed that the event highlights both Irish culture and the spirit of community.
“My favorite part is the kids enjoying themselves,” said Katrina.
“Different cultures being familiar with other people’s cultures… you don’t need to be Irish to enjoy it,” added Marissa.
Parade details
The 3rd Annual Milford St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held rain or shine on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. The route began at Ann Street Park, proceeding south on Fifth Street, left onto W. Harford Street, left onto Broad Street, and right onto High Street, ending at St. Patrick’s Church.
Harford Street (between 3rd and 6th) closed at 1 p.m., with Broad and High Streets also closed along the parade route. Residents and visitors were advised to arrive early due to parking restrictions.
Highlights included performances by the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band, Penn York Highlanders, Wallenpaupack Marching Band, and Delaware Valley Marching Band, as well as floats and marchers from local organizations.
Committee Co-Chairman Joseph Dooley said, “We’re thrilled to continue this tradition that brings joy and togetherness to our town. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and create lasting memories.”
The parade remains a free, family-friendly event celebrating Irish heritage, community spirit, and the joy of coming together in Milford.
