It was one of the hottest days of the year on Saturday, but that didn’t stop all of the fun at the City of Scranton’s Sesquicentennial. 

The day started with Breakfast with the Mayor, followed by the parade. The best moving parade entry was Hicks Well Company, the best float was Pemble Digging and Drainage and the best walker parade entry was United Methodist Church Bible School. There were several afternoon activities including the car, truck, tractor and motorcycle show. Two of the participants were Carl Kolars and his wife Mary Jane. Carl lived in Scranton over 50 years ago when he was on the parade committee for the City’s centennial celebration of 100 years. He reflected back on that day and how two things are still with him.

“We was checking their numbers and there was this car, this ‘29 Dodge, and there was a young gal sitting in there. We’ve been married 48 years just a few days ago and little did we know with her sitting in that car 50 years ago that we would be married 48 years.”

The winner of the People’s Choice Awards for the best car was Larry Bruggeman, best truck was Dave Schroeder, best motorcycle was Zoe Ruchti and best tractor was Robert Walker. Other results included Olivia Hoyt who won the young adult category for cake decorating and Rebecca Eason-Opmalinski won the adult category, Scott McAleer won the logo contest, while the Turtle family won the family scavenger hunt and Chirstina Villebro won the individual scavenger hunt. 

Mayor Cole Gustoff said plans for the 150th anniversary started about three years ago. 

“We’ve had old members and new members join. They did a fantastic job setting this up and a lot of hard work and dedication went into this.”

Event Chair Carol Eason gave her impressions of how the event went and appreciated the help she received.

“I think everybody has really enjoyed themselves. We’ve had a great parade. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I have a core team of six people that have been really fantastic and they’ve just worked really hard today. And then we have extra volunteers that have pitched in today so we’re appreciative of everyone’s help.”

To see pictures of the event, check out our Facebook page.