Submitted Photo
Tom Fritz of Scranton Santa Parade Inc., left, surprised Rock 107 morning host Prospector Monday morning by naming him Grand Marshal of 2019’s parade.
Rock 107 morning host Prospector was surprised Monday morning to learn he has been named 2019 Grand Marshal of the Scranton Santa Parade.
The ranting DJ has served as a part of the parade since its first year in 1993, when he was part of the original planning committee. And though he has remained an integral presence on the parade route over the last 27 years, he was nonetheless astonished to be granted Grand Marshal status for 2019’s Scranton Santa Parade, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 23.
“I had no idea. It was a complete shock,” Prospector said in the studio shortly after. “I do like the Santa Parade. It’s fun to see all the kids and the generations together. It’s one of the few things that doesn’t make me angry.”
Prospector will get to ride up front this year as the parade steps off at 9:15 a.m. throughout the city’s downtown, tracing the same route as in years past. After the parade, Santa Claus will be at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square for pictures, and guests will see Prospector there, too, he said, as he relishes in his title for the day.
“It’s special because I do have a long history with the parade, but also, who doesn’t love Christmas? I grew up in Scranton and I love Northeast PA,” Prospector said.
“It’s almost like they’re hugging me, all of Northeast PA,” he added with laugh, talking of the honor.
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
