Did you know that St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, was not Irish? He was born in Britain, into an aristocratic family. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish Raiders and taken to Ireland. He was held captive for 6 years, working as a Shepard. During his captivity, he converted to Christianity. Though he returned to England and became a priest, he still longed to be in Ireland. St. Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary. It is said that he brought Christianity to the pagan people of Ireland. He explained the Holy Trinity by the 3 leaves of a “Shamrock”, which was really a Clover. It was said that he also drove all of the snakes out of Ireland. This was a myth, as there were never any snakes there in the first place! Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461. His passing became a holy holiday in Ireland. In the US, it’s an excuse to wear green and have a pint or two!
This area of Lancaster County was settled by the Scots-Irish, who were Protestant immigrants from Ireland. Many businesses as well as our School District have been named for County Donegal in Ireland. The Donegal Presbyterian Church was founded in the early 1700’s. There is quite a bit if history to be found at this still active church, which is on the historic registry of places. Check it out here: http://www.donegalpc.org/v2/history.html
Parades for St. Patrick’s Day began in America in the 1840’s. Many Irish immigrants came to the US during the potato famine, and they began marching in the streets of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston. To get into the St. Patty’s Day spirit, attend the York St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Parade will take place on Market Street in downtown York on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Step-off is at 1:00 pm. Information: http://www.yorksaintpatricksdayparade.org/p/about.html or the Harrisburg Parade sponsored by Capital Region Association of Irish and Celts, which begins at Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue. It proceeds south on Walnut to Second Street, onto North Street, ending at Commonwealth. 2-5 p.m. March 19 in downtown Harrisburg. Info: http://www.craicpa.org/
Some other fun things coming up in the next few weeks:
The Riches of Ireland's Past
An evening of illustrated history presented by historian Michael Geaney. He will talk about the high crosses of the monasteries, the Ardagh chalice and the awe-inspiring Book of Kells. Geaney also sings a few songs in Gaelic and English in the Irish traditional style. 6 p.m. March 14 at at Tellus360, 24 E.King St., Lancaster. No cover. Info: www.tellus360.com, 717-393-1660.
Rhythm in the Night: The Irish Dance Spectacular
Led by Justin Boros, former Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" lead dancer, the accomplished cast featuring 20 of the world's most skilled Irish dancers and musicians.
8 p.m. March 18 at Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave. Tickets range from $30 to $55.
Info: www.hersheytheatre.com, 717-534-3405.
Rizzetta's Tones in Concert
The Fine and Performing Arts Department of Lancaster Catholic High School is sponsoring a concert by the American Celtic World Band, Rizzetta's Tones on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 6:15 pm to 9:30 pm. The concert will also feature performances by accordianist Cody McSherry, bagpiper Sean Patrick Malloy and Irish dancers from the Encore Performance Company. Tickets are $40 which includes a lite buffet dinner and refreshments. For tickets or more information go to: http://events.lchsyes.org/event/fpa-concert-and-lecture-series-st-patricks-day-celebration/or call 717-509-0310. All proceeds benefit the Fine and Performing Arts Department.
3rd Annual King Street Seisiun
The all-things-Irish block party will feature live entertainment and Irish food, beer and other libations. Must be 21 or older. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofits: The Junior League of Lancaster, Lancaster Office of Promotion, Music for Everyone, Lancaster City Alliance, A Week Away and United Way of Lancaster. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 20 along East King Street, from Penn Square to North Duke Street, Lancaster. Tickets: $15. In addition, revelers must purchase tokens at designated stations to pay for food and drinks. Info: www.tellus360.com, 717-393-1660, or Annie Bailey's Irish Pub at 717-393-4456.
You can get a little bit of Ireland any day of the week at McCleary’s Irish Pub located here in Marietta. With a diverse menu, you will not be disappointed. Check them out: http://www.mcclearyspub.com/ Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub in Lancaster city will be having music and great food all day on March 17th. Check out the schedule and menu.
