Make sure you are wearing green; you do not want to get pinched. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and you don’t want to miss it. 

A little background on this holiday, St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and was its national apostle during the fifth century. According to Britannica, “he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools.” His death was believed to be on March 17, 461 and the mythology of his life was engrained in the Irish culture. The Irish have celebrated this for over a thousand years by throwing parties, parades, and feasting. 

One of the things that goes on in Chicago is that they color their river green for this holiday. Every year, New York holds one of the largest parades of the day.

Of course, there are more local events going on around here in Virginia, even in Williamsburg. At Busch gardens, they have a month-long celebration from March 5-28. Going on, they have many different Irish foods such as corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness. Aside from the food, they have decorated the villages and have the favorite rides open. One of the best things is the live entertainment. For those entertainments, there is a variety of shows, singing, and dancing. Activities for the younger children include a scavenger hunt, taking photos with Clancy the Leprechaun, and seeing the Sesame Street characters in Sesame Street Forest. Adults get to spend their time at the classic pub fare drinking green beer.

For those who don’t like going out, there is a virtual event. If you like baking, the Eclectic Chic Boutique is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake Decorating Virtual Workshop. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family and have a small competition between one another. Class takes place on Sunday, March 13th, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $75, and this provides you with 3 prebaked cupcakes, a container of frosting, piping bags, cupcake decorations, and sprinkles. However, you may choose to pay only $45 which does not give you any ingredients. This class is going to be taught by Cheryl, the owner of Cheryl’s Sparkly Creations. Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time so you can have your ingredients. After speaking with Lafayette high school student, Dru Hanson, here is what she has to say about decorating cupcakes, “I like decorating and eating cupcakes, I think that would be a fun activity.”

One of my favorite holiday traditions would be the Shamrock Shake at McDonalds. They come out each year during mid February to the end of March. Not many people are a fan of mint, but it is the best milkshake to ever be created. Lafayette high school student, Maddie Smith, adds her opinion on the Shamrock Shake; “I have not had it, but I love mint, so it sounds like I am going to love the shake.”

Many people love staying active and having fun with their friends. A virtual Luck of the Irish 5k is on the way. What this means is that you can register for $18 and get a medal and bib shipped to you. Expect your medal and bib to arrive within two weeks after signing up. All you have to do is run, walk, or jog anywhere you want and record your time. Once you finish, report your time to Virtual Run Events. Just complete your race in the month of March, even better if it is on March 17th. This is the fifth year that they have hosted this run and 15% of the funds go to the National Hemophilia Foundation. Even if you do not want to run, feel free to sign up just to support the organization. 

Something going on in Fort Eustis, is the St. Patrick’s craft on March 11, from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. At the community recreation center, they are hosting a small painting event. You receive a free St. Patty’s flowerpot that you can paint on and seeds to plant. All you have to do is reserve your spot soon before they all fill up. This is a wonderful way to spend a Friday with your family. 

Now I know that all of the adults were wondering where they can spend their nights partying and having a few lucks of the Irish beers. At Brass Cannon Brewing, they are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with live music by Clan MacCool. Clan MacCool is a band who specializes in traditional and original Irish music. Kirbside Dawgs and Hawgs will also be there offering his amazing food. Don’t forget the specialized green ale. This will be a night to remember for the adults. 

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide and have so many events going on. The biggest celebration is the parade in New York City, but a fun tradition is coloring the Chicago River green. Don’t miss out on the fun things happening.