by Erin McNelis
It has been a year since the pandemic cancelled most Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations around the county, and it looks like we will be spending March 17th without parades again this year. Let’s try to shake off the sadness of what we can’t do and revel in the ways we can celebrate the day. Here are a few events and other ideas to get the ball rolling.
Shamrock & Roll Irish Music Walk
When: March 5, 6 p.m.
Where: 324 S. New Street, Bethlehem
This free event will feature Irish musicians and dance groups held outside of various establishments in most cases so attendees can enjoy while being socially distanced.
Wine Weekend and Irish Forever
When: March 13, 14 and 18
Where: Crossing Vineyards, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown, PA
Celebrate at Crossing Vineyards with wine, specialty pairings and live music. Craft brews are also on hand in draft and bottles. For those who missed the fun Ireland Forever picks up with an after party with Irish Music and drink specials on the 18th, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Go Green at Peddler’s
When: March 13, 14
Where:Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Peddler’s Village will be hosting a wide variety of promotions, live entertainment and a kid-friendly leprechaun hunt. Shops will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. To participate in the hunt check in at the hospitality booth near the main green on March 13 and 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. There will also be a Shake Your Shamrock 8k, 5k a one-mile walk or a half-mile kids fun run, the action starts at 11:00 on March 13 and 14.
Family Paint Night
When: March 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Painting with a Twist, 632 Easton Road, Warrington
A family paint night to create a Lucky Gnome project will be held at the paint studio. Register online. Masks are required. If you would rather not stay, they have Twist at Home kits and online events. Call (267) 483-5887 for more information.
St. Patty’s Day Cupcakes
When: March 7, 20 and 14th
Where: The Mercantile of Doylestown in the Doylestown Shopping Center
Rainbows, Gold and a little “Luck of the Irish”! Join us for a fun cupcake decorating class as we look forward to St. Patrick’s Day. Each child and parent will receive 4 cupcakes to decorate and take home.
If you aren’t ready to socialize outside of the home, there are activities that will still be festive. Here are some ideas.
Cook an Irish Meal
Irish food has a bad reputation, but don’t write it off. Explore beyond corned beef and cabbage. Try baking a soda bread. It is one of the easiest breads to bake because there is no yeast or kneading involved, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your cupboards. Irish stew is another satisfying dish, especially if there is a late-winter or early-spring chill in the air. Try these recipes from Simply Recipes: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/irish_soda_bread/ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/irish_beef_stew/.
Dance a Jig at Home
Use your favorite music listening device to find traditional Irish music. Do your best River Dance impression and enjoy moving to the music or look up an Irish dance instruction video on YouTube and learn something new.
Watch an Irish Movie
So maybe we can’t go to Ireland or even to a parade, but we can travel there in our minds by watching an Irish movie. Some family-friendly choices include The Secret of Roan Inish, The Magic Legend of the Leprechauns, and The Legend of Longwood. Or try The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Angela’s Ashes, Tristan and Isolde, or The Young Offenders for adults.
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