feature article - march 2010

Everybody’s Irish in March

THERE’S one ethnic group in Milwaukee that everyone “joins” this month. Regardless of the weather, the whole town turns Emerald green during the week preceding March 17, with highlights that include the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 13.

Activities get rolling early with lunch-time entertainment 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., March 10-12, in the atrium of the Shops of Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Ave. at Old World 3rd St. Entertainment includes Irish dance and music groups – Wednesday, Trinity Academy of Irish Dance; Thursday, Frogwater and Friday, McMenamin Irish Dance Academy. On March 12, there also is a St. Patrick’s Day Parade Press Conference with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Scott Walker.

Friday, March 12, the Miller Time Pub, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, is the site of the ShamROCK, pre-parade party, with music by Ian Gould and Reilly from 5:30-11 p.m.

Parade steps off Saturday, March 13
On Saturday, March 13, there is pre-parade music by Reilly at the Shops of Grand Avenue, 10:30 a.m.-noon. The parade starts at noon in front of the Shops of Grand Avenue at Old World 3rd St. The parade features approximately 150 units. From the Shops of Grand Avenue the parade proceeds east to Plankinton, north on Plankinton to Kilbourn, west on Kilbourn to Old World 3rd St., north on Old World 3rd St. to Juneau, east on Juneau to Water Street, then south on Water Street.

Along the parade route, you can lift a glass of green beer at Trinity•Three Irish Pubs, drop in at the Harp or celebrate with Dan Fitzgibbons at Fitzgibbons Pub.

Some spots downtown also plan post-parade parties. Live performers add to the fun at Trinity•Three Irish Pubs staring at noon on March 13.

The official Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party is set for 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. The headliner is Different Drums of Ireland. This family-friendly party has an economical $1 admission.

Tuesday, March 17 celebrations
The Irish Cultural Center also will be a great place to party when the official St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on Wednesday, March 17, beginning with an Irish dinner from 4-7 p.m. A true family-friendly show begins at 7:30 p.m. with performances by John McGivern & Friends. Milwaukee’s favorite comedian will be joined by Irish musicians and dancers. Contact the cultural center at 414-345-8800 or visit www.ichc.net for information.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, Trinity•Three Irish Pubs at 125 E. Juneau Ave. will open its doors at the traditional 6 a.m. The three-pub location will connect with the Harp, 113 E. Juneau Ave., via a tent that will cross a closed-off Edison Street to join the two businesses. Entertainment on two stages runs from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and detailed info can be found in this month’s KeyMilwaukee.com’s Arts & Entertainment.

County Clare Irish Inn & Pub, 1234 N. Astor St., has years of experience celebrating and holds the title for selling more Guinness Stout than anyone else in the state. Live entertainment and revelry run there from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Other Irish pubs ­­– The Irish Pub, Brocach Irish Pub and Mo’s Irish Pub – host parties, along with “Irish pubs for a day” like The Milwaukee Brat House. When the celebration ends, some participants may need a ride home. MillerCoors is sponsoring free bus service on all Milwaukee routes March 17, starting at 6 p.m. For detailed route and schedules, call 1-800-FREE-RIDES (1-800-373-3743) or visit www.millercoorsfreerides.com.