March 17 is the celebration of St. Patrick and the legacy he left behind. In the United States, the day has become one of celebration, with parades, festivals, concerts, and bar crawls, all saturated in the color green.
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, which is present-day Great Britain. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland, where he worked as a slave, taking care of animals, according to his autobiography, The Confessio of Patrick.
Britannica shares that after 6 years of being held against his will, St. Patrick escaped and returned home. He later traveled back to Ireland to promote Christianity. While there, he founded schools, churches, and monasteries.
Legend says he used a shamrock as a visual representation of the Trinity (the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in his teachings, hence all the clovers.
The date of St. Patrick’s Day stems from the day he died: March 17 of the year 461.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a slew of festivities lined up to celebrate the day, including bar crawls, marathons, festivals, story times, live music, and even a miniature golf tournament.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Greenville Avenue parade in Dallas will return this March, after being canceled for the past two years. Activities are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on March 12 along Greenville Avenue in Dallas.
The Nodding Donkey is hosting a bar crawl on March 12 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The crawl begins at The Nodding Donkey, located at 2900 Thomas Avenue in Dallas, and the participating bars along the way are: Twisted Chic, Primo’s MX Kitchen and Lounge, Playground Bar, Kung Fu Saloon, Frida Social Club, Will Call Bar, Reno’s Chop Shop Saloon, Off The Cuff, and Elk Street Saloon. There will be live bands, DJs, Irish jigs, and green drinks. Tickets range from $12 to $20 dollars and can be purchased here.
Irving St. Patrick’s 5K & 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for March 12 at the Toyota Music Factory, located at 316 West Las Colinas Boulevard in Irving. Registration can be found here. Proceeds will benefit the Irving Schools Foundation.
The 5th Annual McKinney Shamrock Run 5K is being held on March 12 and begins at 8:00 a.m. The starting point will be at TUPPS Brewery, located at 721 Anderson Street in McKinney. Tickets are on sale for $30 and include a t-shirt, a Shamrock Run bib, and a medal. This event will feature Irish food, local vendors, green beer, a photo booth, costume contests, and live Irish music with Irish dancing. Registration for this family-friendly event can be found here.
The Frisco Bar & Grill will be hosting the Sconald Band on March 17, beginning at 3:00 p.m., at 6750 Gaylord Parkway in Frisco. Patrons can enjoy the improv band’s music, comedy, and wit while enjoying Happy Hour from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. or Texas vodka, on sale for $5 all day.
A St. Patrick’s Day Story Time is scheduled for children on March 17 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. in Providence Village. This event is located at 1755 Main Street at the Providence Village Town Hall.
Tower Club Dallas is hosting a miniature golf tournament on March 17 to celebrate the day starting at 6:00 p.m. The club is located on the 48th floor of Santander Tower at 1601 Elm Street. Participants will play nine holes in the tournament, and the top three winners will receive a prize. This event will offer Irish food and beverages. Registration can be found here.
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Festival is coming to Fort Worth on March 19. From 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 816 Foch Street in Fort Worth, there will be rides, photo opportunities, miniature ponies, balloon art, face painting, gift card giveaways, and DJs. The festival is free to attend. Participating Crockett Row restaurants will offer brunch or lunch specials and green drinks.