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 March 2008 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Life & Leisure St. Paddy’s Day is Here By Meg Walker St. Patrick’s Day is no minor affair in Buffalo. With two parades in the Old First Ward and Delaware Avenue, and pubs flooded with those playing Irish for the day or whose roots go way back, there’s no denying that March 17 and the preceding weekend is an important date for the city and its suburbs. After all, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Here is a listing of where to get the most out of your celebration. • The “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 15 at noon and begins at the Valley Community Center located at the intersection of South Park Avenue and Elk Street. The parade journeys through the neighborhoods of the Old First Ward and the historic streets of the valley, which is the same route the original parade followed in 1913. • The Buffalo Irish Center, located at 245 Abbott Road, will, of course, be extra busy this March, with concerts scheduled for March 14–16 and the annual Mass and traditional Irish breakfast on March 17. The day will also feature a soda bread competition, entertainment and more. Visit www.buffaloirishcenter.com or call 825-6700 for more information. • Paddy’s Party at Shannon’s Pub, 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard, will kick off the 2008 St. Patrick’s Day season the weekend before the real celebration begins. On March 7, Shannon’s will host the party across the street at the Classics V Banquet Center. Entertainment will be provided by Seamus Kennedy, Knot Fibb’n, Rince na Tiarna River Dancers and the Comhaltas musicians. Tickets are $35 and include admission to the party, a full Irish buffet catered by the pub, wine pour and a cash bar. Doors for the party open at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets call 743-9348. • Shannon’s Pub will also host the Dave North Trio throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend, March 15–17. • The 67th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and post-parade Party is the biggie. The parade begins at Niagara Square at 2 p.m. on March 16 and marches down Delaware Avenue to North Street. Between Niagara Square and Virginia Street there will be several booths set up to provide face painting for the grandkids. Once the parade is over, families can head to Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. From 3:30–6:30 p.m. the celebration is centered around kids and families as an alcohol-free event with free ice-skating, clowns, face painters and amusement rides. • Gene McCarthy’s Pub, considered to be the “most Irish pub” in Buffalo, is a holiday must-visit. The Old First Ward is the location of this Buffalo icon, which opened back in 1963. The pub is surrounded by the train tracks and factories that contributed to Buffalo’s industrial roots. • If standing in the cold at parades or ice rinks isn’t your scene, perhaps a dance is more your style. Singles and couples are welcome at Jackie’s St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Brounshidle Post, 3354 Delaware Avenue in Kenmore. Music will be played by Tony Krew & Co. There will be door prizes and a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m; the dance runs 8:30–11:30 p.m. A donation of $8 is desired. For more information, call 691-8654. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |