This is how you dress for the Burlington County parade.
The first parade of the season is the Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade which marches through Mt. Holly on Saturday. There’s a heated tent in the township parking lot for the after-party (because it’s going to brrrr on Saturday) where you can hear Jamison Celtic Rock, the Broken Shillelaghs. Birmingham Six, the Paul Moore Band, the Shantys, Clancy’s Pistol, and other performers. Jim Logue, who has been organizing the parade for years, is its grand marshal this year.
If you’re in or near New Castle Delaware, the New Castle Historical Society will be recreating the atmosphere of an Irish Pub in the historic Buck Library at Buena Vista Mansion on Saturday night. Students at the William Penn Culinary Arts program will provide some authentic Irish fare (no Irish nachos!) and you’ll be entertained by the group Slyte of Hand, playing a host of traditional instruments and featuring Michele McCann, the 2013 winner of the Delaware Division of the Arts Emerging Folk Artists Fellowship. Proceeds from the evening benefit the historical nonprofit.
Also on Saturday night, the Gloucester County NJ AOH is throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party featuring the Broken Shillelaghs (who will be driving over from Mt. Holly for their second gig of the day). It takes place at the Richard Rossiter Memorial Hall in National Park, NJ.
And if you’re in Bucks County, the Bucks St. Patrick’s Day Committee is honoring this year’s parade grand marshal, State Senator Chuck McIlhinny Jr, at its annual Irish Ball at Kings Catherers in Bristol. Jamison Celtic Rock will be performing—also driving over from Mt. Holly for their second gig of the day. The Bucks parade is scheduled for March 15, starting at St. Joseph the Work Church in Levittown at 10:30 AM.
You’d think that would be plenty for one weekend, but no, there’s more. Also on Saturday, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfetones will be playing at the Rising Sun VFW Post in Philadelphia and the First Highland Watch—bagpipes and rock ‘n roll—are taking the stage at Jimmy D’s in Folcroft.
On Sunday, Timlin and Kane are performing at the beautiful Glen Foerd on the Delaware on Grant Avenue in Philadelphia. Later this month, they’ll also be performing for members of the US Congress and the President in Washington, DC–more about that to come.
On Tuesday, the Sellersville Theatre will be alive with the sound of Claddagh, a music and dance extravaganza with a fusion of classic and modern styles.
On Friday, catch the Broken Shillelaghs at Molly Maguire’s Pub in Lansdale, but don’t stay out too late or you won’t be up and ready for Saturday’s “Running of the Micks,” the unusual pub crawl (with buses to keep everyone out of the drunk tank) that takes participants in a run up the Art Museum steps (and to a bunch of Irish pubs, starting with Finnigan’s Wake). That’s followed by McPatty’s Fest, a day of live music at McFaddens 3rd Street. Don’t shoot us—we’re only the messengers.
Next week will make this week look like a night at home, so don’t strain yourselves too much. There’s a lot more of March to go. Check out our calendar (which is changing daily) to see what’s going on. And while you’re at it, put your event on the calendar. Just go to the orange bar at the top of our home page, click on Irish events listing, and follow the instructions.
