Hooray for St. Paddy's Day

Posted by lushlife

Posted: March 13, 2009 - 2:58 pm

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Happy St. Pat'sSome holidays make you inwardly cringe with past memories. The fireworks-inspired burn mark on your right thumb, years of disappointing seating at the "kids" table, and embarrassing events involving elaborate costumes and strong gusts of wind. Some holidays approach with the kind of sly, knowing twinkle in their eye that makes you want to extend your arms and welcome them with a vigorous handshake and a pint. One of these holidays is St. Patrick's Day.

The holiday was first celebrated in America in 1737 to celebrate the custom of honoring an Irish saint. Some theorists pose that the popularity of the holiday -- complete with parades, shamrocks and beer -- is enhanced by the idea that revelers are also heralding the entrance of spring and all its green glory. Peggy Monaghan, member of the Irish Club of Alaska and director of the Irish Roots/Alaska Branches Living History project, said, "My favorite thing is the fact that when you make it to St. Pat's, you're near enough to spring that you can taste it."

Though it's true that many St. Patrick's Day celebrations involve copious amounts of Guinness, it's not just about the beer. OK the beer is a very big, very awesome part of the holiday. The event was originally about celebrating Irish heritage in America and honoring St. Patrick and what he stood for. In fact, as late as the 1970s, pubs in Ireland were actually closed on March 17 to observe the holiday. Luckily for us the pubs in town are anything but closed. You can find all kinds of green beer, Irish grub and traditional music, dancing and carousing in Anchorage's local Irish haunts.

Mo's O'Brady's (1501 Huffman Rd, #201) serves up holiday fare including shepherd's pie and corned beef and cabbage with green beer ($5.50-$6.50) and live bagpipes on Tuesday.

Reilly's (317 W Fireweed Lane) owner Jeanne Reilly said the quaint local pub will be celebrating with Irish dancers, bagpipes and free corned beef sandwiches for patrons. Her recommendation for beverages includes their famous Irish coffees or a spirited Irish whiskey.

McGinley's Pub (645 G Street) will be going all out with four days of holiday celebrations starting tonight with music presented by the Celtic Community of Alaska. Saturday through Monday will feature Irish music and dancing, and Tuesday night the party rages with dancers, pipers, T-shirts, Guinness and all things green.

If you feel like more Irish fun outside your local watering hole, the Irish Club of Alaska presents an "Evening in Ireland" at the Snow Goose Theatre (717 W. Third Ave.), 7 p.m. Saturday, $25.

Celtic Treasures (4240 Old Seward Highway) hosts a holiday celebration Tuesday from noon to 5:30 p.m. with more Irish fun than you can shake a leprechaun at (including mixes and traditional treats for those who want to celebrate at home).

Whatever you decide to do, the holiday is a time to herald the coming of spring, more light during the day and the diversity that thrives in our city. So enjoy, shout a toast with your friends, and have a Beannachtam na Feile Padraig, or happy St. Patrick's Day.

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