A nip in the air and an occasional snow flurry did little to dampen the St. Patrick's Day spirit in Carbon County on Sunday.

Thousands of revelers, many of them wearing green, lined Broadway and West Broadway in Jim Thorpe for the 18th annual Carbon County St. Patrick's Day parade.One day earlier, Mother Nature wiped out Bethlehem's celebration, leaving organizers in Carbon County feeling fortunate. Pottsville was also forced to cancel its parade."The turnout is great and we're very fortunate that it's only cold outside and not raining," said Ron Sheehan, of the Carbon County Ancient Order of Hibernians, Alec Campbell Division 1, which sponsors the parade along with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Mollie Maguire Division 1 of Carbon County."We consider ourselves very lucky to have the support that we do for this parade, and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. As always, the police did a fine job of keeping everything under control."Grand marshal Gary Dobias, former Carbon County district attorney, led off the parade, which featured a number of bagpipe, drum and dance bands, local politicians and fire companies, and other area agencies.In a new twist for the parade, Dobias was led down Broadway by a horse-drawn carriage.Sheehan said the carriage was made possible thanks to Kyle Hoppes, of Crystal View Carriages.While some returning paradegoers thought the crowd was a little thinner than past years, attendees appeared to be enjoying the day."We always have a great time," said Paul Nagy, of Jim Thorpe, who attended with his wife and two sons."The parade is a real asset to the town. Jim Thorpe draws a lot of visitors anyway, but this is a great chance to show off this wonderful community. I know a lot of people with Irish heritage around here and yes, it's a party, but it's also a chance to recognize your roots."Parade organizers started the event by stopping at the Immaculate Conception Church to receive a blessing by the Rev. James Ward.They also stopped at the Old Mauch Chunk Jail Museum to honor the Molly Maguires and recognize their efforts for fair labor.While at the museum, AOH president Chuck Tamarus offered a remembrance and members called out the names of Mollys executed at the jail by hanging. LAOH President Shari Beers and Vice President Peggy Sue O'Donnell placed a wreath at the front door.After a one-year absence, American and Irish flags flew over Broadway during the parade. The flags were anchored to the Mauch Chunk 5&10 and Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. Kresge Electric put the flags in place."I think it's good to have them back as it definitely adds something to the scenery," said Connie Morgan, of Tamaqua, who was attending the parade for the fifth time.It wouldn't be a day for the Irish without the bagpipes. Providing tunes along the route were Lochiel Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, Ceol Neamh, Quitapahilla Highlanders Pipe Band, Brian Boru Pipes and Drums, Celtic United Pipe and Drums, Blue Eagle Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, Hawk Mountain Highlanders, Broome County Celtic Pipes and Drums and Nae Breeks Pipes and Drums.According to the AOH, bagpipe bands run between $600 and $1,200 each for the parade. Buses, plaques, sashes, flowers, printing and entertainment are all paid for through fundraising activities."We really enjoy the music," said Jayne Cunningham, of Springfield. "Fire engines are great, but you can get that in any parade. You come here to enjoy the things you only get on St. Patrick's Day. It's just so festive."Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko credited the AOH for running a highly successful parade."They do a great job with it," he said. "The people who want to come out and enjoy it did just that."