St. Patrick's Day in Minnesota
Parades, Green Beer and Leprechauns on Saint Paddy's Day
Everybody gets to be Irish on St. Pat's Day. Townspeople gather for parades, pub crawls, green beer, Celtic music and hearty plates of corned beef and cabbage.
Saint Patrick's Day is in mid March, which is a good time to get out of the winter doldrums and attend a rollicking parade. St. Patrick's Day was initially a religious observance in Ireland, honoring the Irish Saint of nearly 1600 years ago. St. Patrick's parades were started in America as a show of the power of the Irish vote, "The Green Machine." Now it seems like just about everyone gets in the act and parties on St. Patrick's Day.
Parades march across the nation. Leprechauns, shamrocks and green carnations pop up all over. People of all nationalities, religions and political affiliations get into the act by attending the parades and lifting a pint or so of emerald green beer. Pubs, taverns and community centers fill with merriment, music and dancing as everyone gets to be Irish for a day. Traditional St. Pat's menus include corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches and hot Irish stew. Hearty food is washed down by green beer, Guinness or smooth Irish whiskey.
Minnesota endures long cold winters, so mid March usually signifies a break in the harsh weather. People enjoy a chance to get outdoors for fresh air and camaraderie. Following are some of the St. Pat's parades around Minnesota this year.
- Twin Cities: St. Paul St. Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 15 Noon. St. Paul, MN is one of the Twin Cities. The 42nd annual St. Pat's Parade steps off from the intersection of Fourth and Sibley Streets and heads west, concluding at Rice Park. There are floats, marching bands, color guards and clans. St. Paul encourages everyone to march along with their clam. Their web site has a sign up section. After the parade, people gather at the local pubs for a brew. Make sure to pick up a St. Patrick's Day Button for $2. Button proceeds benefit diabetes patients. In addition to the parade, there will be celebrations, music and Irish food around town all day.
- Twin Cities: St. Paul: St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration at the Landmark Center is a weekend of Irish food, Celtic songs and Ceili Irish Social Dance. March 15-16. Admission $5 Adults, $3 Children and seniors. 6175 West Fifth St. St. Paul, MN.
- Twin Cities: Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2008: Minneapolis is one of the Twin Cities. The St. Pat's Parade steps off at Nicollet Mall at 6:30 pm at Nicollet Mall. Be sure to purchase a St. Patrick's Day button for $2. The proceeds benefit diabetes patients.The Minneapolis parade features Irish music, dancers, decorated floats, revelers and more. After the parade, follow the crowd to the popular pubs for a green gathering.
- Maple Lake, MN, St. Patrick's Day Parade Grande Day Parade, Saturday, March 15, 2:30 pm: The Grande Day Parade will begin near the St. Timothy's Catholic Church parking lot on Division Street. Maple Lake has plans for a whole weekend of St. Patrick's Day events. On Friday night the Third Annual Irish Gala features dinner and a silent auction. On Saturday a craft sale will be held at Maple Lake Elementary Gymnasium. On Saturday at 9 am the Irish Scamper with feature two races though the "ole town" of Maple Lake. On Saturday, the Maple Lake Lions' club will serve Mulligan Stew and other refreshments at the American Legion Club. Restaurants and business will offer St. Patrick's Day specials.
- Cross Lake - Brainerd Lakes Chamber, MN, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration, Saturday, March 15, Noon: Parade and festivities go on all day. New parade route starts at Crosslake Town Square and moves west on Swann Drive, sought on Pioneer Drive to County Road 3 and proceeds west to County Road 66. The day starts with the Crosslake Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast at Crosslake Lutheran Church. In the afternoon, there will be entertainment at Crosslake Town Square, with games for children and Elvis, the King of "Shamrock & Roll." In the evening a Irish Bon Fire and Live Music will be held at Manhattan Beach Lodge.
- Montevideo, MN, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 5 pm
- St. Peter, MN.St. Patrick's Day Parade. March 17. 5:00 pm: Small community parade on South Third Street. .
- Pipestone, MN, St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17: Parade marches on historic Main Street.
Enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Festivities. It is always a good idea to verify information before making a trip. Please drink responsibility. Do not drink and drive.
Read about St. Patrick's Parades in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Chicago.
