Carbon County officials say no vendors will be permitted in the Josiah White Park or around the train station during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Jim Thorpe next Sunday.

On Thursday, Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein announced that at the request of the parade committee, the county was making the announcement regarding vendors.He then turned it over to Ronald Sheehan, a parade committee member.Sheehan said this has been the opinion of the parade committee, Jim Thorpe borough and county for years, but sometimes vendors still come.He cited one instance where a vendor set up near the train station, tapped into the building's electricity and then left all its garbage after the parade was over. The parade brings in thousands of spectators to Jim Thorpe, which already means additional litter being left behind without vendors selling in the park."We do not encourage vendors on parade day," Sheehan said, noting that roving vendors slow down the parade as it winds down Broadway, but the committee cannot stop businesses if they decide to allow vendors on their properties. "We encourage it not to happen as a matter of public safety and for the convenience of the parade itself."Commissioner William O'Gurek said that the county's position comes down to fairness."If we get one or two requests (and approve them) and someone on parade day says 'I can sell coffee' or something, where do you draw that line," he said. "It's a matter of fairness to the people who maintain a business on Broadway and pay taxes all year round. Hopefully the people will support them."The parade is held rain or shine.