Well, it’s that time of year again, the day when everyone is “a little Irish.” Over the years St. Patrick’s day has become more of a staple of American binge drinking than any other holiday or any other celebration. In fact, until the 1970’s pubs in Ireland were mandated closed on St. Patrick’s Day because it’s a religious holiday. For the Irish, March 17th is the anniversary of the death of their patron Saint, Saint Patrick. He is famously known for converting a majority of Celtic pagans and druids to Christianity. He is commonly associated with shamrocks or clovers because he used the native plant to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. So in fact, those who remain sober during St. Patrick’s Day are celebrating more authentically. However, it is still fun to go out and be a part of the shenanigans of the day, and you can still do that sober.
St. Patrick’s Day Ceili Celebration Starting today at 6:30 pm there will be live performances from champion Irish dancers and a silent auction at the St. Patrick’s Day Ceili Celebration at the Leadership Learning Academy in Layton. It is perfect for friends and family and is only $5. https://www.facebook.com/events/1204132986369781
An Irish Evening at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center Whether you really are Irish or not, it is always interesting to learn about a culture especially one that has enriched our own American culture and history so much. An Irish Evening is an original production by Acadamh Rince Irish Dance at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City. It will be featuring Irish dance and highlighting the music, stories, and culture of Ireland, it is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. All profits from the show will be donated to the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City. It starts at 7 pm, today and tomorrow and goes for 2 hours including 15-minute intermission. All ages are welcomed. https://artsaltlake.org/production/an-irish-evening-2/
The 28th Annual Leprechaun Lope The 28th Annual Leprechaun Lope benefitting Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School will take place tomorrow starting bright and early at the State Capitol in Salt Lake City. The 10k starts at 8:30 am, 5k starts at 8:35 am, and the 2-mile fun run starts at 8:40 am. Top female and male runners of the 10k and 5k receive Gift Certificates, there is also a prize for best costume, and the fastest centipedes (four runners linked together by a common costume) in the 10k and 5k get a dozen cookies from Paradise Bakery and Cafe.
Lucky 13 Race Feeling lucky? Here’s your chance to make fellow racers green with envy. Those who cross the finish line of this course first will receive a pot o’ gold coins… chocolate ones, that is. (The best kind!) Don’t worry, this is sure to be a pinch-free zone. Every participant will receive a green top hat and a green tech shirt, and green water and gold (chocolate) coins will be handed out along the way. Good fortune awaits at Gardner Village, where this adventure begins and ends on March 18 at 8:30 am to 12 pm. It is presented by On Hill Events. http://www.lucky13race.com/
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – A Hundred Thousand Welcomes in America One of the biggest things to do in any city is, of course, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s theme is “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes in America,” to celebrate the acceptance, diversity, and tradition of our Irish ancestors in America. The parade will begin tomorrow at 10 am proceeding down 400 West, and turn West onto 50 North and then turn South onto Gateway Road (Rio Grande Ave). The Parade will march the length of the Gateway, and stop at the south end of the Gateway. After the parade everyone is going to the Siamsa (from the Irish language, meaning “celebration”), in the Grand Ballroom of the Union Pacific Station, on the north side of the Gateway. It will start around 10:45 am with live Irish music, dancing, and cuisine. This is one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
March Madness While it may not be very festive, it is one of the biggest things happening in sports. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, March Madness, and it is here in Salt Lake City. Get tickets to the second round tomorrow at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. http://www.vivintarena.com/events/234
Of course, there is always the option of staying home and having your own celebration! Invite your friends and family over for some authentic Irish food including the traditionally celebrated corned beef and cabbage, you can buy or make Irish soda bread, Irish nachos, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), boxty, or any other traditional foods you can find. Finish the night with some green (shamrock) shakes that are simple to make yourself. You can enjoy classic Celtic music like The Dubliners or The Chieftains or shake things up a bit with some Celtic punk like Dropkick Murphy’s. You can have an Irish Jig dance off, St Patrick’s Day themed pictionary, themed trivia, or just even a simple game of darts. You can make a new tradition of going to the Parade and finishing the day at home with your loved ones enjoying a home cooked meal and participating in shenanigans you’ll always remember.
