St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

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I have to say this is one of my most favorite of holidays. Yes. I am Irish, which could be why I love it so much. But I really feel like it is the start to Spring and the excitement on the DePaul University campus. Ever since freshman year at DePaul I have had big plans for that Saturday before the actual St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). This usually includes festivities such as the downtown Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be held on this Saturday March 14th, and will begin at noon. Another favorite tradition of mine is when they dye the Chicago River green! This is scheduled for 10:45 am on Saturday. If you are interested in going to the parade you must be willing to wake up a little early for a Saturday, and somehow get downtown Chicago. Personally, I would recommend taking public transportation to avoid traffic and such. A good web site to check on about various public transportation methods is: http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com/parade.html. This web site will also provide you with more details on Saturday’s events.

For those of you who cannot make the celebrations on Saturday don’t worry there is another parade called, Chicago’s South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is on Sunday March 15th. This parade will also begin at noon, but will have a different route than Saturday’s parade. The parade will kick off at 104th & Western. For further information about this parade check out the site: http://www.southsideirishparade.org/.

So even if you aren’t Irish get out there and enjoy the many festivities going on this weekend in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Get your friends together and head up to one of the parades, and then hit up some of the local bars around campus (if you are of age). Kelly’s Pub on Webster is always a festive Irish pub to go to on St. Patrick’s Day, and I am sure a lot of the bars have parties going on all day Saturday. I know State on Webster is offering a wristband deal stating at 8:30am-1:30 pm (food and drinks). From what I remember in years past, all the bars around DePaul campus are usually packed, so get out there early on Saturday and celebrate!