Scranton Schools Chief to Lead St. Patrick's Parade

Erin Keating, superintendent of Scranton schools, will serve as grand marshal for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Erin Kathleen Bridgid Keating, the superintendent of the Scranton School District, has been named the grand marshal of the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade, one of the biggest annual events in the city. Keating was 'humbled and flattered' to be honored in this way and to represent the school district. The parade is set for March 14, with the countdown to the big day including the Firkin Friday fundraiser at Cooper's Seafood House on February 27.

Why it matters

The Scranton St. Patrick's Parade is a longstanding tradition in the city, drawing thousands of marchers and spectators each year. Keating's selection as grand marshal highlights her work in the community beyond her role as schools superintendent, including her involvement with organizations like the United Way and Scranton Area Foundation.

The details

As grand marshal, Keating will lead the parade for the first time, after a lifetime of watching parades in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The parade will feature 12,000 or more marchers, including groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution and Civil War reenactors, who will commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary. The parade will step off at 11:45 a.m. on Wyoming Avenue near Mulberry Street.

  • The Scranton St. Patrick's Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • The Firkin Tapping fundraiser at Cooper's Seafood House will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Erin Kathleen Bridgid Keating

The superintendent of the Scranton School District, who has been named the grand marshal of the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade.

Jude McDonough

The president of the St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County, who cited Keating's work in the community as the reason for her selection as grand marshal.

Cooper's Seafood House

The venue hosting the Firkin Tapping fundraiser, a countdown event to the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade.

St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County

The organization that oversees the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade and announced the parade dignitaries, including the grand marshal.

Gina Keating

Erin Keating's mother, who will be in the crowd watching her daughter lead the parade.

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What they’re saying

“I was just humbled and flattered, to be honored in this way, and to be able to represent the Scranton School District in this capacity.”

— Erin Kathleen Bridgid Keating, Superintendent, Scranton School District (The Times-Tribune)

“We have a good relationship with the district.”

— Jude McDonough, President, St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County (The Times-Tribune)

“They would have been out in full force, because when you grow up in that heritage, and that just, pride, in being Irish, to have someone in your family recognized in a capacity like this, is just really something that's truly awesome.”

— Erin Kathleen Bridgid Keating, Superintendent, Scranton School District (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

The St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County will continue to finalize plans for the March 14 parade, including the lineup of marchers and other dignitaries.

The takeaway

Erin Keating's selection as grand marshal of the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade highlights her leadership in the community beyond her role as schools superintendent, and the enduring importance of this longstanding tradition in the city.