For about a week in March, everyone is a little bit Irish. However you don’t need to head to the Southside or even downtown to get some luck or find a pot o’ gold. Here are seven places in Lake County you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in all its green and gold glory.
1
Deck your family out in Irish green goodness with authentic products from the Irish Boutique and Paddy’s on the Square. This family-owned Irish import store has been bringing luck to Chicagoland for 40 years.
2
Celebrate the holiday with a little bit of charity on the side. Head to Mickey Finn’s Brewery on March 10 and help them raise funds for Misericordia Home. Admission is $50 per person ($10 per child 12 and younger) and includes a buffet dinner and live music.
3
March with friends or watch from the sidelines at the annual Lake Villa St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11. The parade kicks off at noon from Palombi Middle School and finishes at the VFW. The VFW will be serving a corn beef and cabbage supper after the parade. There will also be a food drive for the Lake Villa Township Pantry.
4
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the 99th Birthday of the Gurnee American Legion with a corned beef and cabbage dinner on March 11. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and is $15/person. It also includes a tribute to Frank Sinatra. RSVP to the Legion at 847-244-9282 to reserve your spot.
5
Shamrock the Block with your family in downtown Wauconda on March 18. Those into fitness can start the day with the Jog N Java before the parade kicks off from Middleton’s on Main at 10:30 a.m. After the parade there’s the Leprechaun Plunge and plenty of live music. See website for the full schedule of this three-day event.
6
The seventh annual Barrington Celtic Fest takes place at McConigals Pub March 15-18. The event features live music, a mix of local merchants, various entertainment including Irish dancers, bagpipers, special guest appearances, and, of course, plentiful of food and beverages both in the outdoor festival area and the pub. Families are encouraged to attend during the day.
7
Feast on St. Patrick’s Day at the Chevy Chase Country Club. From 5-8 p.m. on March 17 they will be serving up a traditional Irish dinner with entertainment from the Trinity Irish Dancers.
When you celebrate, be sure to wear your green and a smile!
