I recently learned that the myth about St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland was – just a myth. No matter – St. Patrick’s Day is one of those “feel good” holidays that we all love to celebrate, even if we don’t really understand why we’re doing so! Since St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, you can start your celebrating on the 14th and wrap it up on the 21st! If you’re looking for a something different than drinking green beer and Irish whiskey, here are a couple of grand ideas to get you started.
The Music City Irish Fest is a free, family-friendly street festival on Demonbreun – at the base of the Musica sculpture (which will, of course, be dressed for the occasion)! The fun starts at 11 am on Saturday March 14, and the scheduled line-up includes Irish step dancing, Celtic music, exhibitor exhibitions, and culminates with a 9:30 pm performance by the Red Hot Chili Pipers (Innovators of the “bagrock” sound).
For a really big change of pace – and place – you can drive about 90 minutes from Nashville to participate in the 53rd Annual Wearin’ of the Green and 2015 Irish Day Celebration in Erin, TN. On the 14th, you can compete in the Rotary Golf Tournament or the 9th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament – and still have time at the end of the day to go to the Shamrock Showdown UKC Bench Show and “Poor Boy Night Hunt” sponsored by the Houston County Coon Club. There are events throughout the week, but the really big Irish Day Celebration will be held Saturday, March 21. A couple of churches are having pancake breakfasts that morning – eat your fill and then pick out your parade-watching spot to see the Leprechaun Parade and Grand Parade, which starts at 11 am. As if that’s not enough excitement, there will be arts & crafts vendors and additional entertainment throughout downtown Erin, and a Demolition Derby at the Perdue Acoustics Show Grounds on Front St.
So you say that drinking green beer and Irish whiskey is more your speed? Fortunately, Nashville Guru has already done a superb write-up of activities around Nashville. Check them out here – and have fun!
