It may be Valentine's Day, but I've already set my sights on the next big celebration! You probably have guessed what I'm referring to...as the saying goes..."Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!" Is this true for you? If so, and if you live in or near
St. Louis, then you really have the luck of the Irish because we celebrate St. Patty's Day not just once, but twice! The city hosts festivities each year on the Saturday before
St. Patrick's Day, and the
Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) hosts another celebration on March 17th, the real St. Pat's Day. The St. Louis celebration begins on Saturday at the Top of the Morn with a
5 mile run/walk event that winds through the downtown region. Then at 12 noon come "rain or shine" the annual
St. Patrick's Day Parade begins with its approximate 120 units including marching bands, floats, character balloons, and family clans. Irish entertainment continues throughout the day at a special "
Irish Village" set up in the midst of all the activity. Then after recovering from all the excitement, food, and drink it's time to gear up for the next big St. Patty's Day celebration! On the actual feast day of St. Patrick, March 17th, the
AOH hosts another fabulous
parade that occurs in the Irish neighborhood of St. Louis affectionately known as
Dogtown. The residents of Dogtown consider their community "a province of the
Republic of Ireland." The
St. Patrick's Day Parade has a neighborly touch with lots of Irish dancing, bands, and family units marching proudly and displaying their family crests. Booths with food and drink can be found along the route with traditional servings of corned beef, cabbage, and beer in abundance. It's truly a day to celebrate family and its Irish heritage. So if you are needing some family apparel for the festivities,
Zoey's Attic is here to help with
custom Irish shirts for all your St. Patty's Day needs. Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day too!