Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint, and there are many interesting facts and myths about the former slave turned missionary, including his banishing snakes from Ireland.
But here is one you might not have heard: No one is quite sure where St. Patrick is buried. Historians know of a few likely places, but there is no evidence for one location over the other.
St. Patrick has been inspiring annual celebrations since 1631, when the Roman Catholic Church established his Feast Day.
From the long list of St. Patrick’s Day-related events, we can tell that Edmonton plans to make an entire weekend of the event.
Our publisher, Greg Davis, has supplied five great pub spots for cheering on the Irish saint.
In addition, Canadian Liquor Store is starting their weekend off early, with a Friday night St. Patrick’s Day Irish Tasting: join Chris Arnold from Renaissance Wine Merchants and taste a single malt whiskey, two blended whiskies, an Irish gin, an Irish Cream (no tasting from Ireland would be complete without it!) and just for fun to end the night, a green cocktail!
But if you’re looking for more family-oriented, or non-alcoholic St. Patrick’s Day themed things to do, consider some of the following. With the weather forecast predicting unseasonably warm days, you have the perfect excuse to head out and enjoy Edmonton’s variety. Here’s a few possibilities:
Saturday
Start your Saturday morning off with a sweet brunch; green cupcakes. Local bakeries Flirt Cupcakes and Crave Cupcakes are offering emerald goodies to mark the day.
Also on Saturday, Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Métis Crossing, with live entertainment and a drink tasting experience from local breweries, plus platters and pub meals such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and more.
The Thirsty Rooster Eatery & Bar on St. Albert Trail is devoting the entire weekend to St. Patrick, with the RCMP Regimental Pipes and Drums of Alberta supplying live music on Saturday night, and an amazing lineup of food and drink specials.
Blowers & Grafton, the street food and bar, are going all out: You can win a trip to Ireland as part of their St. Paddy’s weekend event. Green beer on tap, your favourite East Coast eats, and live music at select locations that’ll have you feeling the Irish spirit. Children are welcome – they have their own menu.
On Saturday, the bar & eatery, Cork & Barley, will feature the Brady Irish Dancers and musician Stanley Gallant, while on Sunday, they will feature the talented singer/songwriter Mike Dominey and the Brady Irish Dancers in an encore performance. There are food specials and traditional Irish pub anthems all day Sunday.
Sunday
On Sunday, the Colchester Community League in Sherwood Park are holding a free St. Patrick’s Day Family Event with loads of fun for kids and kids-at-heart, including face painting, craft tables, a treasure hunt and more.
In the north of the city, the Kinex Arena in St. Albert is holding a St. Patrick’s Day free skate session.
While farther to the east, at the Shell Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan, the Irish Descendants, bring east coast music to the west. The Descendants combine rich harmonies and popular music with celebrated songs. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style.
And the Leprechaun Tiger Rugby Club, Edmonton’s only Irish rugby club, is holding their Annual St. Patrick’s Day party, a “thing of legend,” on Sunday evening.
Other, non-Paddy’s Day Events
And if you’re a bit sick o’ the green, but still want to take advantage of the weekend and the weather, check our events calendar for more adventures and experiences.
Sláinte!
