2009 Grand Leprechaun   

The Dublin and Powell Ohio St Patrick’s Day events are celebrations of Irish culture. It is believed that there are over 34 million Americans that have Irish ancestry. In Dublin, the capital of Ireland, there is a multi day St Patrick’s Day festival that includes a parade, family carnival, singing and dancing. The past weekend festivals in Dublin and Powell Ohio are reminiscent of the festivities in Dublin Ireland. 

 Everyone is Irish for a Day

Dublin Ohio lives up to its namesake. The Dublin Ohio St Patrick’s day parade is usually held the Saturday prior to March 17 which seldom falls on a Saturday. The parade started at 11:00 a.m. sharp led by Tom Seitz the 2009 Grand Leprechaun. It was a mild day so the streets were lined with many revelers. From many areas it was a challenge to see the parade if you didn’t come early enough to get a front row view. No matter were you stood you could hear the bagpipe brigade that made everyone tap their feet. The crowd enjoyed viewing the playful clowns and listing to the three Dublin high school marching bands, there were colorful floats, Irish step dancers, gymnast, and gals dancing on very tall stilts.

 The Blarney Hop

The Shoppes at River Ridge along with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life hosted the Blarney Hop which followed after the parade. At the hop there was food, inflatable games, children’s crafts, face painting along with many other fun activities. There was a large tent outside the Oakland Nursery Garden store that was large enough to accommodate Irish dance shows along with gardening demonstrations. To make sure everyone could enjoy the entire event a shuttle trolley was provided by the River Ridge merchants. At the Blarney Hop raffle tickets could be purchased that will benefit the American Cancer Society Dublin Relay For Life. Someone is going to win a trip for two to San Francisco, a diamond and emerald pendant and more. If you missed the hop, raffle tickets will be available until June. To purchase your tickets call 1-888-227-6446, extension 3205.

 St Patrick’s Day celebration in Powell

On Sunday March 15, 2009 the Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club sponsored a fabulous St Patrick’s Day celebration that was a public free event. The weather was truly a gift of Irish luck it was the warmest and sunniest day of the year. The flags that lined the road to the event were a beautiful sight. I arrived just in time to enjoy the Shamrock Club bagpipe band; that beautiful music is just too hard to describe. As I walked thru the event I notice the kids were having so much fun. There was face painting, a balloon artist, inflatables, a basketball court, Irish dancers, along with a performance from the Irish band Lone Raven. Now to make sure your year is full of good luck, Irish stew, corn beef and cabbage and green refreshments were available to keep up with Irish tradition. 

 Wishing you a very Happy St Patrick’s Day

I am sending you a four leaf clover.  As per the legend, the four leaf clover carries the following message - the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck. Remember the first day of spring is March 20, 2009