Count Your Lucky Charms: St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Sure, March 17 will be a little different this year, but it can still be fun. Who wants to wear those St. Patrick’s Day “Kiss Me I’m Irish!” buttons when they can hold up a “Stay Six Feet Away, I’m Quarantined!” sign? Why would anyone want to put their arm around a cute redhead at the pub when they can shake - actually, make that elbow bump - their neighbor’s Irish Setter? 

So, go put on something green (unless you’re into pinching) and let’s Irish Jig some social-distancing-style fun and shenanigans!

Lori Gallagher, director of The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, said, “Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland was a quiet, family day, spent together over a nice meal. Pubs were closed and it was a holiday from work. Children look forward to a day off of school as St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday. Some Irish-born may wear green in the form of a pin or live sprig of a three or four-leaf clover or shamrock to symbolize the day.”

Jonathan O’Neill, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of St. Thomas University Irish Studies, added, “The St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ireland has grown from being a one-day event into a two-week festival in Dublin, celebrating any aspect of Irishness and the arts more generally." 

Lori is true Houston Irish royalty as she served as the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She explained, “St. Patrick’s Day is in remembrance of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The day should be one of happiness and good memories of family and friends, good food and good wishes!”

Guy Streatfeild, owner of British Isles, a shop located in Rice Village that carries British and Irish merchandise, suggested ways for getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit: “Irish tea, cookies, Irish potato chips, Irish Oats, jams, rugby shirts, all sorts of Guinness merchandise.”  

The Irish word for cheers! is sláinte, pronounced as "SLAHN-chə," meaning to "good health" for all. In that spirit, here’s an Irish Prayer for good health and some ways Houstonians can get in the St. Patrick's spirit.  
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

St. Patty’s Day Beverages for Toasting to Wee Lads and Lasses (drive-thru and to-go options available):

Shamrock Shake at McDonald's
This creamy festive green treat is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Available at various locations of McDonald’s.  

Green Lemonade at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Consider this refreshing beverage, available at locations of Raising Canes.  

Bailey’s Irish Coffee and Green Velvet Cupcakes at Sprinkles
4014 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027
713-871-9929
Bite into this indulgent Irish-themed treat. 

Green Donuts at Krispy Kreme  
8611 Westheimer Rd. TX, 77063
Get in the St. Patty’s Day spirit with these sweet treats to-go. 

Homemade St. Patty’s Fun

• Homemade Green Drink: Put your green food coloring to good use…For some tricky leprechaun fun, add a drop to milk, clear soda, beverage of your choice.
• Make your Own Irish Soda Bread: If you don’t have all the ingredients, maybe it’s a good time to meet your neighbor and promise to bring them some bread if they let you borrow some ingredients! Try Brennan's Irish Soda Bread from AllRecipes.com.
• Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its finest. Try Alton Brown’s beloved recipe.  
• Corned Beef and Cabbage: Consider Ree Drummond’s flavorful dish. 

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Editor's Note: For a fun and festive St. Patty's craft, try making your own St. Patrick's badge at home with your kids.