A wee bit of Ireland strikes Teller County this weekend with our own local celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
In the past, the local area often played second fiddle to Colorado Springs and Denver, known for their mega parades.
While we can’t compete with the size of these celebrations; Teller communities are embracing the St. Patty spirit in a major way. So, get ready to dance and jig to Celtic songs, and even a few more modern Irish rock tunes, (U-2 and such) while sipping a Guiness or Harp.
Here are a few highlights:
In Woodland Park, the main event is the seventh annual WP St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14. This parade, starting at noon in downtown WP near Memorial Park, extends to the old Gateway Elementary. It is hosted by Mountain Eire Irish Dance School and showcases some great floats and St. Patty-oriented costumes. Another big St. Patty’s Day Parade will be held the same day in Colorado Springs, which starts at noon in the downtown area.
But for uniqueness and a true rural flair of St. Patty party atmosphere, it’s hard to beat Divide’s McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub, which features an entire weekend of St. Patty celebrations, capped by food specials, dancing, live music and yes, maybe even a little Irish brew and whisky. Their activity begins on Friday evening, with a special fish fry and performance by Mountain Eire Irish Dancers. On Sunday, Divide unveils the best small St. Patty Parade in America and the Known Universe. This parade, slated for 2 p.m. on Sunday, treks between Paradox and McGinty’s. The parade is a locals’ favorite.
Later in the day, (around 3) McGinty’s rocks with a special performance by McDeviants, a lively, hoppin’ Celtic band that gets everyone in the right St. Patty mood. More fun will occur at McGinty’s too on the actual St. Patty’s Day, March 17.
