PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We’re just one day away from the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade, and hundreds of groups are getting ready to take part in the celebration.
It’s a sight and sound popular during the month of March, bagpipes and Irish Step Dancing.
Both Jimmy Losavich with the Black Diamond Pipe Band and students with the Joyce School of Irish Dance have put in nearly a year of practice for the Scranton St. Patrick’s parade.
“Tingling sensation you get, you get butterflies in your stomach, and you’re just waiting to step off and get the show on the road.”
“As cheesy as it sounds, it really is like magic seeing all these people come together to celebrate Irish heritage,” says Brigid King.
The dance studio’s students are putting in extra time Friday, perfecting their steps.
“They truly love what they do, so they do everything they can to make sure that they’re practicing, that they’re making it look good. Our biggest goal is that they just have fun and that while they’re having fun, that the dances are gonna look amazing,” says Patrick Joyce.
“I really like how we can all show people what Irish dancing is actually about,” says Evelyn Johnson.
They all have their favorites with the art.
“Cause it’s fun… I make a lot of friends,” says Elliot Mlinscek.
“Dancing with my friends and learning new dances,” says Winnie Mlinscek.
Leaving their mark - the studio has been asked to be the honor guard at the parade day mass.
“It’s part of our legacy, we’ve done it as students, and now we get to pass that along to ours and it’s just a beautiful mass that they do for the community and it brings all the Irish community together,” says Shannon Joyce Cerulli.
And with the countdown on until the big performance.. Community is at the top of everyone’s mind.
“I love getting to see the entire community come together and participate in something that everyone loves,” says Kaegan Calpin.
