It may be a little too early to be wearin’ the green for St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s not too early to be planning how you’ll celebrate it. Since I’m 99.8% Irish, I have a few ideas to offer both here in Lake Oswego and in Portland:

IN LAKE OSWEGO

CELTIC HARPS, RARE INSTRUMENTS and WONDROUS STORIES. Join musicians Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter for a real treat at the Lake Oswego Public Library on Wednesday, March 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. While I have yet to master one musical instrument, this duo plays traditional as well as original music from Sweden and Ireland on some instruments you’ve never even probably heard of like the Irish Bouzouki, Swedish Hyckelharpa, and Ukrainian Bandura as well as the Celtic harp, cittern and viola. In between, they weave in humorous stories of their lives as professional musicians that may also inspire you to follow your dream. 706 Fourth Street, 503.636.7628.

THE DULLAHAN PUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH FESTIVAL. This year’s homegrown St. Patrick’s Day Festival expands to a five-day schedule starting with “lucky” Friday the 13th and ending on Tuesday, March 17. Over the course of the party’s run, festival-goers will be treated to live music, dancing, bagpipers, drink specials and Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and bangers. Performers who will have your Irish eyes smiling include Sandi O’Reagan, The Stomptowners, Tualatin Valley Fire Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Oregon Dance Academy, Brothers Dunn, Kate Jane Band, and Peter Duff. Be sure not to miss a new event this year—the “Battle of the Performer” on Monday, March 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Make your voice known for your favorite! The Dullahan Irish Restaurant and Pub, 352 B Avenue, 503.305.8087.

ST. PATRICK’S with PATRICK LAMB JAZZ QUARTET. This Music Monday St. Patrick’s Week special features the popular Patrick Lamb whose last three singles made top 5 nationally on the Billboard Charts and who is one of the youngest members ever inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Lucky for Lake Oswegans his busy touring schedule includes this stop at the Lake Theater and Café on Monday, March 16 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets early as this performance sold out last year. 106 N. State Street, 503. 387.3236.

PORTLAND

KELL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. Considered Oregon’s largest Irish celebration, this popular event in its 29th year has extended its schedule to a five-day run from Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17. Returning this year is the popular Smoker event featuring amateur boxing under the big top tent on 2nd and Pine along with Jameson-based cocktails, and cigars. A full schedule of music and dancers can be found on their website along with the pricing for each event. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.228.4057.

SHAMROCK RUN. Portland’s longest-running tradition features multiple distances ranging from the Leprechaun 1K lap for kids 10 and under to a half marathon with a 4-mile Stride, 5K, 10K, and 15K in between. There’s lots to distract you from the distance you’ll be traveling with the scenic course beginning and ending at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, not to mention the many variations of green festooned people you’ll encounter along the way. Finish things off in the green beer garden at the festival open to participants and supporters alike. Sunday, March 15, various start times. Register online.

PORTLAND’S ST. PADDY’S PARADE. This neighborhood event is small-town at its best with a humble start dating back 31 years. Resident Steve Slavic set out to impress his Irish father-in-law that he could throw a party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Better yet, he put on a parade and proclaimed his father-in-law the first honorary Grand Marshall. It earned him the once-a-year title of O’Slavic and he has grown the effort over the years. The 1.2-mile circuitous parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Beverly Cleary School on the corner of NE 33rd and Hancock. Sunday, March 15. Questions? Call Steve: 503.282.6370.

PADDY’S BAR and GRILL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. There are lots of reasons to show up at this one.
#1. It’s a tented Irish street party with all the usual suspects: bagpipers, Irish dancers, whiskey drinkers.
#2. You could win a trip to Ireland by buying one of the 500 tickets in a raffle.
#3. You can witness their attempt at securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest Irish Coffee.
#4. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Children’s Cancer Association.
Tuesday, March 17. Pub opens at 10:00 a.m., Tent opens at 11. Cover charge of $20 after 2:00 p.m. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.227.4057.

Like any good Irishman, I’m known to have the gift of gab, especially when it comes to talking about the Lake Oswego real estate market. If you are thinking of moving to Lake Oswego, moving around Lake Oswego or moving out of Lake Oswego, let’s chat. I’d love to put my over 30 years’ experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you.