From Crystal Club Soda to Gertrude Hawk Chocolate

Officials estimated 130,000 to 150,000 revelers packed the downtown for the festivities and to possibly catch a glimpse of presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who marched in the parade.  Despite such a high-profile guest, the parade ran smoothly.  However, as expected, there were some alcohol-related incidents.  State police said two adults were arrested for disorderly conduct, and four minors ages 18 to 20 were cited for carrying false identification cards.  A 21-year-old male will be charged with two counts of misdemeanor furnishing alcohol to minors, police reported, and one establishment will be charged for sales of alcohol to minors. Police did not release the name of the establishment or the names of adults who were arrested.  Police investigated 19 alcohol-related incidents and issued 59 non traffic citations during the parade patrol.   [Times-Tribune]

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gov. Ed Rendell will appear at Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In answer to a shout from the crowd, the Democratic presidential hopeful told Monday’s Scranton High School rally, “I love the Irish.” And Clinton says she will return with Rendell for the parade on Saturday. Parade association President Thomas Cawley says organizers were expecting about 10,000 people for the event. Cawley says when word gets out that Clinton and Rendell will appear, “it will bring a lot more people downtown.” [Philly.com]  Editor’s Note:  Enough Hillary, I want some Obama love.

Saint Patrick’s Day is two weeks from today and some are already thinking about Scranton’s annual parade, which comes March 15.  This year, the Lackawanna County district attorney would like bars in the city to consider opening their doors a little later than usual.  This year, Lackawanna County District Attorney Andy Jarbola wrote letters to tavern owners in the Electric City requesting they open up two hours later.  [WNEP]