It’s time again for one of my favorite holidays: St. Patrick’s Day. While I am not necessarily all about the religious aspect (sorry, St. Patrick!), I am about the parades, wearing green and being overly enthusiastic about green foods and beverages.

 

And celebrating my first St. Patrick’s Day here in the Triangle, I am excited to see how it matches up to other St. Patty’s celebrations I have attended around the U.S.

 

This Saturday, March 13 at noon is the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Wearin’ O’ the Green Festival. The parade will wander the downtown streets of Raleigh, finishing at Moore Square, where vendors and booths will feature Irish goods and treats. (I can already taste the green beer!)

 

Meterologist Bill Reh of NBC17 fame will act as grand marshal for the parade, which will be followed by a performance from Homeland (an Irish band), a Patriotic Parachute Team landing on Martin Street, and six different Irish and Scottish dance groups performing on stage. It should be a good time for all of the family.

 

The parade’s twitter says the parade and festival will be held rain or shine, so hopefully this wet weather will hold off.

 

Also downtown, Tir Na Nog Irish Pub will be celebrating the parade with an Irish breakfast in the morning and live music from a variety of Irish bands throughout the day into the evening. Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub (also downtown) is claiming that the “Guinness will flow like water” as they plan on shutting down West Street for the “largest St. Patty’s Day party in the Triangle.” (Both bars will feature bands and traditional Irish food on Wednesday March 17)

 

In Cary, Connolly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant will be celebrating both Saturday March 13 and Wednesday March 17, as well, featuring drink and food specials along with live music.

 

I am looking forward to all the green goodness, a jig and maybe even a Guinness. I hope to see you there!