Best Ways For Kids To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013 In Minnesota
Irish-American heritage is usually celebrated in venues restricted to 21 and over. Events that include kids help everyone share the pride of Irish-American heritage. The Twin Cities has plenty of activities earlier in the day that families with kids of all ages can enjoy.
The Local
931 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 904-1000
www.the-local.com
Start the day with bangers and mash or a breakfast of shepherd's pie in an Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis. Kids might prefer the hot pancakes or fish and chips also on the menu. Either way, The Local offers several traditional Irish items and many other American brunch favorites in a beautiful setting with stained glass and carved wood.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
5th St. from Broadway St. to Washington St.
St. Paul, MN
www.stpatsassoc.org
Date: March 16
Watch the parade all along 5th Street from Broadway to Rice Park. The route wraps around Rice Park turning south on Washington and east on 4th Street. One can stand on the sidewalk and cheer on the antics of others or form a clan and don your green. Bands, law enforcement organizations, honorary Irish royalty, city officials, Irish dancers, musicians, media and many others make this the most exciting parade of the year.
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Irish Music & Dance Association St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration
Landmark Center
75 W. 5th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(612) 990-3122
www.irishmusicanddanceassociation.org
Date: March 16
Go early or stop by after the parade at the Landmark Center. One can take in music, dance, food, crafts and children's events all day. Irish music will be playing throughout the day on four stages. Irish dance will liven the Center as adult groups and local dance schools take their turn. Eat Irish food or American sandwiches. Have a soda, Irish or American beer. Relax to traditional Irish music with tea and scones in the Irish Tea Room. Shop at the Irish Marketplace where authentic Irish merchants and artisans sell their wares. Kids can work on crafts with an Irish theme free of charge and small children can take in a stage show especially for them.
St. Patrick's Day Mass
Cathedral of St. Paul
239 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 228-1766
www.cathedralsaintpaul.org
Date: March 17
Celebrate mass on the day honoring the patron saint of Ireland. Born of ordinary people in Britain, he was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland at age 16. After six years, he managed to escape and returned to his family. Choosing priesthood, he later ascended to Bishop status. He was granted his desire to return to Ireland and given the name Patrick, "father of his people." While legend of his feats abound, this man's contribution to the Church and to western civilization are well documented.
Irish Run Saint Paul
Ramsey Junior High School
1700 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 228-1986
www.tslevents.blogspot.com
Date: March 24, 2013
Sign up or watch the Irish run. The 5K, 8K and Youth Run are better than ever for both runners and spectators. The first mile goes downhill giving a fast start for 8K and 5K runners. The race now ends just a half a block from the start. Spectators can see the best action around Summit and Cambridge for all three runs. The 8K attracts top runners in the area who want to warm up with their first run of the season. Fitness runners and walkers like the 5K.
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Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
