Written by Trisha Ries
It is that time of the year where Front Street is littered with lads and lassies adorning various shades of green. No, they aren’t looking to become one with Mother Nature nor wish an early spring. I am talking of course of Saint Patrick’s Day, and folks in Marietta take St. Patrick’s Day seriously.
Unless you were born underneath a blarney stone, you should be familiar with the Apostle of Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th universally on the proposed date of Saint Patrick’s death. While celebrated heavily as a religious holiday in Ireland, there are many traditions that have endured time that celebrate the Irish heritage. The heritage may not be in your blood, but everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day.
If you have never enjoyed Saint Patrick’s Day on Front Street, than you are in for a real treat. We’re lucky enough to have four incredible establishments that are pulling out all of the stops to make St. Patty’s weekend one to remember.
Pig Iron Brewing Company is not only serving up delicious pints of their specially brewed red ale, but you can also get traditional corn beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and finish it off with a delicious sweet, from our favorite local sweet, Jeanie Dickel.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy Wolf Moon Revival on Friday, March 17th at Pig Iron – a Lancaster three-piece rock band that specializes in songs that you forgot you liked. Trust me when I say, Mark is fantastic. The day after St. Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy the acoustic stylings of Rhoads & Vogel. You may recognize Jim Rhoads as the drummer for Screaming Daisies or from his one-man band karaoke show. Jim has partnered with local singer Chris Vogel; creating the perfect cherry on top of an already awesome sundae.
You cannot officially celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without stopping in at Marietta’s favorite Irish Pub, McCleary’s. Enjoy traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Guinness stew in bread bowls, or start your celebration with a $7 car bomb.
Never one to disappoint, McCleary’s really pulled out all of the stops for St. Patrick’s Day this year. Not one, not two, but three days of delightful e n t e r t a i n m e n t ! Starting March 17th, the Sporting Hill Ramblers will kick off the festivities. The Sporting Hill Ramblers are a Lancaster-based four-piece band consisting of Dave Malone on Bouzouki, acoustic guitar & vocals; Doug Riley on mandolin, acoustic guitar & vocals; John Eshelman on electric bass guitar with back-up vocals; and Jeff Coleman on accordion, acoustic guitar, mandolin and other instruments as well. Focusing on traditional Irish music, you can always expect to hear some phenomenal covers, too.
On March 18th Salt Hill will bring the energy up to 11 with their Celtic Rock stylings that will be sure to leave you wanting more. These Central Pennsylvania veterans really know how to liven up a room.
Last but not least the talented dancers from B*Dazzled will be show casing their Irish dance team, “Oh! Gills” on March 19th. Taking a more modern twist on traditional Irish dancing, these girls are a true sight to be seen.
Just down a few blocks, stop into the Rail Road House / Perry St Cellar where one of our favorite employees, Edward Lincoln, will be smiling as some of the most unique draft and bottled beers in town get poured!
Finally, Shank’s will be opening at 7:00 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish breakfast platter featuring eggs, Irish sausage, corned beef hash, and baked oatmeal with a whiskey sauce. St. Patrick’s Day favorite, “Fire in the Glen” will kick off the music celebrations at 9:00 a.m., with bagpipes throughout the day. More Irish music will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with Amanda Wells & Friends. Guinness, and other awesome Irish brews will be on tap alongside menu specials like bangers & mash, cottage pie and Guinness stew.
So, come to Front Street and celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with all your Marietta favorites!
“here’s to me, and here’s to you.
And here’s to love and laughter.
I’ll be true as long as you.
And not one moment after.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!