St. Patrick's Day all weekend long

Posted by lushlife

Posted: March 14, 2008 - 2:12 pm

A big party night and a week-long sacred event don't always mix, which is why there has been some confusion as St. Patrick's Day approached this year.

This week March 17 will fall in Holy Week for the first time in more than 60 years, which poses a dilemma. Party people and venues around the world had to choose when to celebrate - on St. Patrick's Day or on another date. Of course, Anchorage couldn't decide on one day so there will be Irish-inspired parties today through Monday. Plan your Guinness- and Irish stew-filled fun by perusing the listing of best bets and updates below.

Whatever day you choose to celebrate, make sure there's green beer around somewhere. Slainte!

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Friday, March 14

- Head to the St. Patrick's Dinner Show and Dance, featuring the talents of Chaos and Cal Williams with prizes, food and more. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Parish (2111 Muldoon Road, 337-1538); tickets are $20 each.

- Afterward, boogie down polka style with Marge Ford and the Alaska Polka Chips and The Button Box Gang at St Patrick's Polka Night at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 or free with tickets from the earlier dinner show; refreshments available.

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Saturday, March 15

- Feel like shopping? Check out the AK Crafters' St. Patrick's Day Bazaar
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 4th Avenue Market (333 W. Fourth Ave., formerly the Ship Creek Center). A multitude of crafts and vendors awaits your perusal; admission is free. (336-1222)

- Later, put on your party pants for a St. Patrick's Party 2008, 9 p.m. at Klondike Mike's Dance Hall in Palmer (820 S. Colony Way, 1-907-745-2676, www.myspace.com/robsgalkat). Bring a potluck Irish dish to share and enjoy a shamrock hunt, music and more - all for free.

- St. Patty's weekend begins at McGinley's Pub (645 G St., Suite 101, 279-1782) with live music by Wellstrung at 8 p.m.

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Sunday, March 16

- If you're looking for some good old-fashioned Irish entertainment, look no further than the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at 4 p.m. at the Sydney Laurence Theatre (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W. Sixth Ave., 263-2787). The Northern Lights Celtic Dancers perform with guest appearances by Alaska Folk Arts and the Midnight Sun Cloggers - a foot-stompin' good time to be had. Tickets run $12-$15 on Centertix.

- McGinley's Pub (645 G St., Suite 101, 279-1782) continues their weekend celebration with an Irish Ceili (social event) with dinner and entertainment by Last Night's Fun and Tim Fellar leading some festive dancing.

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Monday, March 17

- Don your green attire and enjoy food, fun and live music at the free St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Celtic Treasures (4240 Old Seward Highway, 333-2358) from noon to 5 p.m.

- Chilkoot Charlie's (2435 Spenard Road, 272-1010) holds their usual Spenardian Shenanigans with several perks for the holiday. DJ Charlotte, Ettinger Reloaded, DJ Lefty, DJ Marley and DJ Ken all provide the tunes from 10 p.m., Sal's grill offers $3 plates of authentic Irish fare (corned beef and cabbage) and the cover is only $3 for the whole night.

- McGinley's Pub (645 G St., Suite 101, 279-1782) throws an official St. Patrick's Day party including a sing-a-long with The Whiskey Jacks and dancing with Last Night's Fun from 4 to 8 p.m.

- Head to Reilly's (317 W. Fireweed Lane, 274-6132) for a real green good time with the Bradley Girls at 5 p.m., Irish dancers at 6 and 8:30 p.m, bagpipes at 8:10 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. and free corned beef sandwiches all night. Also, a tent will be pitched in the back for more room for toasting and celebrating.

-- by Jessica Bowman

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