This week has been a long one, and spring break is clearly on all of our minds. While constantly worrying about midterms and planning for break, there may be one thing that slipped your memory: St. Patrick’s Day. It falls on March 17, the Monday that classes resume, and although we may all be dreading the return to schoolwork, it’s no excuse not to celebrate!
The city of Rochester has events scheduled throughout St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, so if you’re stuck here during the cold and snowy break, make sure to check them out!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
The annual St. Patrick’s Parade will be celebrating its 37th anniversary as a Rochester tradition on Saturday, March 15. The parade will begin at 12:30pm at East Avenue and Alexander Street (the Orange Line will take you right there!), and will continue down East, continuing on to Main Street, and eventually ending at Plymouth Avenue.
Volunteers are needed to organize the lineup, carry sponsor banners, and help with the Family Celtic Faire held at the downtown Radisson Hotel. Studens can also enter to be in the parade with a float for any group or organization.
Even if you’re not interested in participating in the parade, it is still a great place to go and have fun with friends. Visit www.rochesterparade.com for more details.
Johnny’s 16th Runnin’ Of The Green:
This annual five mile run, taking place on Saturday, March 15, begins 9:30am at the War Memorial located at the intersection of Exchange Street and Broad Street.
“Running in the snow has its own special qualities – [the] softness […] the white landscape…can make you feel like a kid again,” author Claire Kowalchik wrote of the run in her book, “The Complete Book of Running for Women.”
Reduced registration fees will be available for anyone that signs up before March 11, but any and all racers will still be accepted on race day.
(Race Day Tip: After your run, head right over to East and Alexander for the parade – the timing will work out perfectly!) Visit www.jonnysrog.eventbrite.com to register and for further information.
Celtic Family Faire:
After a long day of running and enjoying the parade, it’s nice to relax and enjoy some casual entertainment. The Celtic Family Faire, another long-standing Rochester tradition, will last from 11am-4:30pm at The Radisson Riverside (120 E. Main St.).
Featuring various live entertainment including Irish musicians, dancers, and storytelling, the Faire is a fun way to experience Irish culture. Best of all, this event is completely free!
Finally, on the long awaited St. Patrick’s Day, pubs across Rochester, including Johnny’s, will be hosting live entertainment throughout the evening. If none of these celebrations are your cup of tea (or pint of beer), additional events are sure to be occurring across the city on the holiday and throughout the weekend. Be sure to venture downtown and explore all of the possible options: go out and have fun!
Don’t forget to don your green and enjoy the fun all weekend long. It’s something fun to look forward to after break. If you are already dreading the idea of returning to classes, remember there are only six weeks until summer!
Kanakam is a member of the class of 2017.
