Do you plan to be in Minneapolis on St. Patrick’s Day? If so, you will probably want to put on your very best green clothes and join in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The Minneapolis area has a large Irish population and the entire community will be joining in to celebrate a fun-filled day. There will be plenty to eat and drink as well as activities for all ages.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade has been one of the city’s most celebrated events for the past 40 years, and not only for the Irish. According to the St. Patrick’s Day Association of Minneapolis, every year the parade becomes larger. In 2011, the parade is expected to attract thousands of spectators of all ages. It will take place on March 17, at 6:30 p.m., starting at Nicollet and 13th Street. The parade will continue along 13th Street until it arrives at 5th Street. It takes approximately one hour. Vendors will be present to sell Celtic crafts and gifts as well as to provide refreshments for those who want to enjoy the parade.
Blarney Blast Party
The Blarney Blast Party is the official post-parade St. Patrick’s Day party in Minneapolis. It will take place at the Fine Line Café, located at 318, 1st Avenue North. This party will feature lively Celtic music, Irish drinks and dancing. In past years, the Blarney Blast has been one of the most popular events of the Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and 2011 should be no exception.
Wee Leprechaun Costume Contest
On March 14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., the Normandy Hotel at 405 8th Street will sponsor the wee leprechaun contest. There will be four categories: ages 1-3; ages 4-6; ages 7-10; and family. You must pre-register and every contestant will receive a free goodie bag. Each category will have a winner, but there will also be a grand prize winner who will go home with a brand-new Nintendo Wii game system.
Irish Pub Activities
The Minneapolis area has a number of lively Irish pubs where adults can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. For example, Kieran’s Irish Pub, located at the corner of 6th Street and 1st. Avenue North, will have live Irish music, a special menu and green beer. Another Irish pub, The Local, is situated at the Nicollet Mall, right where the parade begins. They will offer a special Irish lunch and dinner. O’Donovan’s Irish Pub, at 700 1st Avenue North, is counting down the seconds to St. Patrick’s Day on its website, and Keegan’s Irish Pub, located at 16 University Avenue, North East, will have live Irish music, green beer and other special features to celebrate the day.
Source
St. Patrick's Day Association of Minneapolis: Parade Information
