St. Patrick’s Day festivities were the first holiday celebrations to be canceled due to COVID-19 last year.

On March 8, 2020, I posted a blog titled “7 Ideas for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In and Around Lake Oswego. Nine days later the events I featured were called off due to Governor Brown’s closure of bars and restaurants except for takeout, and limitations on public gatherings to no more than 25 people.

Fast forward 365 days (okay, maybe it didn’t exactly feel like fast-forwarding but more like slow motioning), and there are still some casualties but several of the events are happening again including Lake Oswego’s own St. Patrick’s Day Festival, albeit in a COVID-approved fashion. Check them out.

THE DULLAHAN PUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH FESTIVAL. St. Patrick’s Day kicks things off for this year’s return of Lake Oswego’s own homegrown St. Patrick’s Day Festival. The event will run Wednesday, March 17 through Sunday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be two separate tents with limited seating for guests with live music rotating every 30 minutes so attendees get the opportunity to hear a variety of tunes. All your Irish favorites will be on the menu including corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips (my favorite here) and bangers as well as a selection of specially curated Irish whiskey-based cocktails and the Irish staples, Guinness and Magner’s Cider. In addition to rotating the music, management is considering rotating guests as well to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to get in on the fun. Colored wristbands will be handed out to ensure patrons stay in their designated tents and honor the 90-minute timetable. There is no admission fee; however, donations are welcome to cover the cost of the entertainment. One casualty of this year’s event is the Irish Dancers who usually take the stage and delight the crowds with their heel clicking, stamping and tapping. Space does not allow for these performances this go-around. 352 B Avenue, 503.305.8087.

KELL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. Considered Oregon’s largest Irish celebration, staff told me that this popular event is also re-appearing in a scaled-down version. The schedule was still being finalized at posting time; however, their website indicated they were gearing up for St. Paddy’s Day 2021 with opening hours starting March 11. Check their website for updates. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.228.4057.

SHAMROCK RUN. Portland’s longest running tradition is going virtual this year and 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. The virtual run will be done on the honor system, meaning, you do not have to submit proof that you completed your distance. So you may run at any time you wish. Registration is open through March 14 and includes an official 2021 Shamrock run shirt or kid’s cape, reusable shamrock tote back, and a discount code to register for 2022 at the lowest price.

PORTLAND’S ST. PADDY’S PARADE. This fun neighborhood tradition is also going virtual this year inviting revelers to post their St. Patrick’s photos and video online by today, March 7, for sharing on their website starting March 14. Email portlandstpaddysparade@gmail.com for a link to the website.

PADDY’S BAR and GRILL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. Here’s another scaled down event but featuring all the usual Irish suspects: bagpipers, Irish Dancers, Guinness and Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey. Sponsorship opportunities are available with VIP tickets; otherwise it’s General Admission at $20/person as capacity allows. Wednesday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 65 SW Yamhill Street, 503.224.5626. Tuesday, March 17.

Here are a couple other ideas for keeping things green on St. Patrick’s Day:

STICKMEN BREWING COMPANY. Celebrate with an Irish Red Ale on tap at this Lake Oswego spot. The Madame Molly is named after a ghost that legend has it inhabits the brewery’s building but who seems to approve of Stickmen’s culinary and brewing efforts and has laid low ever since they took over. 40 N. State Street, 503.344.4449.

KYRA’S BAKE SHOP. Order an Irish Brew cupcake from this award-winning gluten-free bakery comprised of chocolate-beer cake, filled with Irish cream white chocolate ganache and topped with Irish cream frosting and Irish cream white ganache. 599 A Avenue, 503. 212.2979.

I may be 99.8% Irish but I promise not to offer you any blarney when it comes to talking about buying or selling your home. With over 30 years of experience helping families move in, out, and around Lake Oswego, I’d love to do the same for you! Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website.

Sláinte!