St. Patty's Adventures

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Two months already under our belt in 2016! Time has been flying past us! Thankfully, we’ve got the luck of the Irish on our side this month with St. Patrick’s Day coming up soon. With the crackdown we’ve been seeing in recent years on the annual State Paddy’s celebrations, the student-created drinking holiday could look pretty different this year. We’ve rounded up some events and alternatives that could keep you entertained and hopefully out of trouble. While these events will require a little bit of traveling to attend, they’re worth it for the lack of events we’ll probably find in State College.

Pittsburgh was recently voted the number one place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the whole country! If you’re feeling up to traveling it’s definitely worth the trip. Pittsburgh is about a 2 hour drive away from Calder Commons Apartments. This year the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will fall on Saturday March 12th. In attendance of the parade, you’ll find tons of floats from Pittsburgh groups, marching bands, Irish dance troupes, celebrities like the Pirate Parrot, the Bishop and the Mayor and tons more. The parade begins on the Boulevard of the Allies and continues up Grant Street. The parade kicks off at 10 AM so make sure you arrive early to secure yourself a prime spot for viewing. For more information about the parade check here.

If you’re uninterested in parades but very interested in beer and breakfast foods, Carson City Saloon will be hosting a Kegs and Eggs event the morning of the parade. From 8 AM until 10 AM, they will have a tasty breakfast bar available for free as well as 1.50 green drafts.

Following the parade, don’t flee the city just yet. Starting at 2 PM head to nearby Market Square for the Irish Fair in the Square. During and after the parade you can stop in for beer specials throughout the square. Peruse through the street vendors to find some Irish knick knacks to take home with you. You’ll even be able to purchase the official t-shirt of the parade at the market so you’ll have something to remember the festivities by. On top of the wares and tasty food that you’ll find, you’re in for an extra treat: a free concert! Local Irish inspired band, The Bastard Bearded Irishmen will be performing from 2 until 3 in the square followed by local country band The Stickers from 3:30 to 5. With all of the fabulous restaurants located in Market Square, you’ll definitely find something tasty to fuel you up for more partying later. To see more information on the Irish Fair in the Square check here.

It doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, everyone can appreciate the culture and traditions of this green holiday. Like they say, everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Will you make the trip to the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the country this month?