MILFORD, PA — The Borough of Milford will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade on Sunday, March 16. 

The parade honors the borough’s Irish heritage and the contributions of the Irish to Milford’s history and its people.

Lineup for marchers begins at 1 p.m. at Ann Street Park, and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.

The marchers will follow Ann Street/5th Street, turn left onto W. Harford Street, turn left onto Broad Street, turn right onto High Street and end at St. Patrick’s Church.

A symbol of faith and home

The history of St. Patrick’s goes back to the 19th century, when Irish immigrants arrived in Milford to work at a watch case factory, and founded the original church on James Street. 

The current St. Patrick’s Church, located at 200 E. High St., is the third church honoring the saint in the borough. The church opened its doors in 2006 and serves as a testament to the Irish Catholic community in Milford and Pike County. 

This year’s Grand Marshals are Bernadette and Brian O’Donnell. Learn more about them below.

A community parade with spirit

This is the second year of the parade, which was attended by approximately 3,000 people last year.  There are over 80 marching units in the parade, including marchers, floats, antique cars, police departments, fire and EMS units and other groups—double the number of units from last year’s parade.  

Marching bands include the Scranton Black Diamonds, the Penn York Highlanders, the Broome Street Band and the Wallenpaupack High School marching band.  Trophies will be awarded to floats as follows: Best Commercial, Best Private and Most Irish Spirit.  

There is no cost to attend the parade, but organizers request that you arrive early to find parking—which will be limited—and to get a good viewing spot.  

Parking, along with a shuttle service, will be located from the Milford Beach parking lot to 2nd Street. Food will be available at all local restaurants, including parade sponsors Jive Bar and Dimmick Inn, along with many others.

The grand marshals

Bernadette and Brian O’Donnell hail from Donegal, Ireland, which is located on the country’s northwest coast. Bernadette and Brian immigrated to New York City in the 1980s.

They have been proud residents of Milford since 1995. Over the years, they have been active members of the school community, Milford’s Irish American Society and St. Patrick’s Church. 

The couple still enjoys yearly visits home to visit their siblings and parents. Bernadette and Brian also enjoy spending time with their five granddaughters. You will often find them cheering the girls on at events such as the Eastern Pike Youth Soccer Club and swim meets. 

Bernadette and Brian say they are proud to represent their homeland as this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals.

To learn more about the parade, visit www.milfordstpaddys.com.