The 20th version of the Carbon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade brought out its most dedicated revelers Sunday in Jim Thorpe.

Temperatures hovering around the freezing mark kept crowds below average, but those who braved the elements wore their green shirts and shamrock hats with pride.“We love coming out and, yes, I wish it was warmer, but you make the best of it,” said Amy Hoover of Scranton, who attended the parade with her friends Tonya and Sue. “We were at the Scranton parade too and we kind of make a weekend of it. It’s become a tradition for us.”The tradition isn’t lost on organizers of the event.For Hugh Dugan, who co-chairs the parade as a member of the Carbon County Ancient Order of Hibernians, Alec Campbell Division 1, each trip down West Broadway and Broadway brings out his emotions.“When you come down and hear the crowd and see those United States and Irish flags waving next to each other, it just gives you chills,” Dugan said. “It’s a very exciting day.”The AOH sponsors the parade along with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Mollie Maguire Division 1 of Carbon County.The parade kicked off with grand marshal Charles E. Wildoner, former Carbon County commissioner and Jim Thorpe businessman, led down the route in a horse-drawn carriage.Parade organizers stopped at the Old Mauch Chunk Jail Museum to honor the Molly Maguires and recognize their efforts for fair labor.“I think a lot of people come out for the party, but there is a lot of symbolism to it all,” said Gary Vaughn, who watched from a sidewalk near the jail. “There is a lot of history here in Jim Thorpe and as much as this parade is for everyone to enjoy themselves, we have to remember why we’re doing it.”Near the end of Broadway, many of the groups participating in the three-division parade stopped to perform in front of the television cameras.The entertainment lineup included Brian Boru Pipes and Drums, Celtic United Pipe and Drums, the Greater Scranton Black Diamond Pipe Band, the Blue Eagle Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, Broome County Celtic Pipes and Drums, Kilte Band of York, Mackay Pipe Band, Kerry Dancers, Penn Dixie Band, Hawk Mountain Highlanders, and the Emmaus Sentinel Alumni Drum and Bugle.“The music really sets the mood and it’s by far the highlight of the parade,” said Matt Bradley of Jim Thorpe. “It wouldn’t be a St. Patrick’s Day parade without the bagpipes. They really have a great sound. I have a great respect for that talent.”Before the parade, rumors of this being the final parade circulated on social media and in the community.Dugan put those rumors to rest.“They’ll be another 20 parades,” he said. “We have a great, dedicated committee. It does take a lot of work. This doesn’t happen overnight. But when you come down that route and see the people, it makes it all worth it.”