Spring is in the air! Well, maybe, not really. But it sure beats the brutal cold and snow that hung around here for the last few months. Just the promise of warmer weather has helped me beat the Winter Blues. And, there is so much to look forward to: like Daylight Saving Time, which begins on March 11, giving us a little more “daytime” to enjoy.
Having a little bit of Irish in my family heritage, one of the things I like best about March is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. And when it comes to celebrating St. Paddy’s Day, Greater Flint does not fall short!
While the city doesn’t dye the river green like Chicago does, there’s plenty of Irish fun to be found! Local festivities begin with a mass worship service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Downtown Flint at 12:02pm (because “the Irish are always late”), followed by the Irish Family Walk to McFarlan Park on Saginaw Street. From 1:30-6pm, a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day Party is held at St. Matthew’s Church, with Irish dancing and a buffet dinner. The Four Mile Pot O’ Gold Run and Walk and a 1/4 Mile Blarney Kids Run are held Downtown Flint. Runners can enjoy an After-Race Party with great eats!
That’s not all that is happening in Greater Flint! Some area pubs and restaurants will be serving up plenty of green beer and Irish dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, Scotch eggs, Irish stew and traditional corned beef and cabbage. Many locals consider the St. Paddy’s celebration at Blackstone’s Pub & Grill in Downtown Flint to be one of the biggest pub events in Genesee County, complete with Irish music, bagpipes, drink specials and authentic Irish fare.
So, enjoy this global celebration of Irish culture, and here’s a little piece of advice: if you don’t want to get pinched, don’t forget to wear green!
Here is my St. Patrick’s Day wish for you:
Irish Blessing for Luck
May you always have …
walls for the winds, a roof for the rain,
tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you
and all your heart might desire.
