Blarney, the month of March is here

Saint Patrick’s Day is almost upon us once again, and it’s time to go into your closet and find something green to wear on March 17. This year it falls on a Thursday, so for most people that just means wearing it to work. But for those of you who want a wee bit more of a celebration, you’re going to find your pot of gold on the weekend before.

Now, being part Irish myself, I try to keep up with these things, but truthfully, finding a big Saint Patrick’s Day event here in Golden was kind of like looking for a Leprechaun in a sea of four leaf shamrocks. The closest one happens in our neighboring city of Arvada. But, fear not to tread beyond our borders for this is a truly wonderful day with a bit ‘o fun attached.

On Saturday, March 12, from noon to 6 p.m., historic Olde Town Arvada will be presenting its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Festival. This year’s event will again be on Grandview Ave. between Webster St. and Olde Wadsworth Blvd., with a new, larger expansion area from Olde Wadsworth to 57th Avenue. They close down the streets and set up booths with all kinds of fun things. The fun includes live bands, Irish step dancers, arts & crafts booths, food booths, kids entertainment, plus beer and wine sales.

The entertainment schedule starts at noon with Chancer’s Hooley, followed at 1:15 p.m. by Bennett’s School of Irish Dance, 1:45 p.m. Big Paddy, 3:30 p.m. Centennial State Pipes and Drums, 4 p.m. Celtic Steps, and at 4:30 p.m., my favorite Irish rock band, Angus Mohr. In addition to that Marty the Clown will be entertaining throughout the event area, while Magic Lewis will be astounding children at his magician’s tent.

Admission is free so bring all your friends and family. For more information, including where to park or how to get there, go to their web site at www.oldetownarvada.org and click on the Events tab. You can also call them at (720) 849-3096.

Be a part of the bigger picture

Of course the biggest event of the day is Denver’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade that actually has Golden roots. It was started by former Golden resident Charlie O’Brien back in 1962. Since then it has grown to be one of the largest parades in the country. This year’s parade will be happening on Saturday, March 12, starting at 9:30 a.m. and it goes on for about 4 hours. It winds all around Downtown Denver and has everything you could dream of in a parade. Lots of bands, floats, Irish step dancers, horses, exotic cars, motorcycles, you name it, you’ll probably see it going down the street.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Adrian Farrell, Ireland’s first Consul General to the U.S Southwest who is chartered with promoting Irish interests in Colorado and other Southwestern states.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to best enjoy the parade. It’s a big parade with an extensive route so go to their website at www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com and check out the route map. Arrive early to stake out your favorite spot. The best place for families is at the end of the parade on Blake Street from 23rd to 27th avenues. March is known for wildly varying weather. Dress in layers and bring plenty of water. To catch the parade entries full performance (dancing, full music sets, etc.) the best spot is south of 20th avenue on Blake Street (which will be renamed Tooley Street for the Parade). This is probably the most crowded area of the parade and is standing room only. Folks will arrive as early as 6 a.m. to stake out a spot.

Parking down there can be a little crowded and tricky so it might be a great time to ride the RTD Light Rail into Denver and save yourself a lot of frustration and hassle. The W train will take you all the way from Golden to Union Station. From there it’s only a couple of blocks to the parade route.