Looking for St. Patrick's Day fun in the Hudson Valley? Hudson Valley Tourism compiled a list of fun things to do this week. There is something here for everyone!
Catch the first parade in Goshen on Sunday, March 11th. It starts at 2pm on the main street, strolling past the village square as well as several Irish pubs along the way. Next Saturday on St. Patty's Day itself, Albany kicks off its parade at 2pm replete with marching bands, bagpipers, and everything Irish. It starts at Quail Street and Central Avenue, but stop by the brand new Irish American Heritage Museum for special family events before the parade starts. One of New York State's largest St. Patrick's Day Parades is in Pearl River on Sunday, March 18th at 2:30pm. The lineup wends its way along Middletown Road and turns onto Central Avenue. Don't worry, you'll find it. Just follow the crowds to this quintessential Irish celebration.
In Kingston, the Shamrock Run starts off the St. Patrick's festivities and parade. A huge race (over 4500 people participate), the race is called "fast, flat and first class." At Windham Mountain's Irish I Was Skiing/Riding Festival, kids are rewarded with chocolate gold coins if they're lucky enough to catch the leprechaun. The fun family day includes Irish step dancers and a DJ on both Saturday and Sunday of St. Patrick's weekend (March 17 and 18). Guinness drink specials are a given along with the Irish band "Ruffians" in the resort's Legend lounge.
More merriment will also be found at the Kilt Run in Averill Park on St. Patrick's Day. Uncle Marty's Adirondack Grill hosts a day full of events that include games and crafts for the kids, Irish step dancers, and live music. The 4K run is just enough to work up an appetite for the Irish buffet and green beer. More entertainment can be found at Spotty Dog Books and Ale in Hudson. This independent bookstore and lounge/café in a beautiful old firehouse has a fine selection of handcrafted brews. Saturday, March 17th, the disco/funk group Blueberry will be on hand with their cosmic sound. A warm welcome with Irish music, bagpipers, step dancers and a DJ enliven St. Patrick's Day at Mahoney's Irish Pub in Poughkeepsie. This traditional eatery will remind you of the old sod with its Irish memorabilia and warm hospitality. Along with the delicious food you'll find plenty to do here with two bars, pool table, and pub games.
The Irish really know how to throw a party and the Hudson Valley has never been greener. Come see our high strutting bagpipers and fast kicking step dancers while you savor some of the home grown dishes in celebration of St. Patrick. It's a great day for the Irish, right here in the Hudson Valley.
information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, the Hudson Valley Tourism website, www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3860
Patricks Day Parade, Goshen. 917-453-3554
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Albany. www.albanystpatricksdayparade.com
Irish American Heritage Museum, Albany. 518-427-1916,
www.irishamericanheritagemuseum.org
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Pearl River. St-Patricks-Day-Parade/Facebook
Shamrock Run, Kingston. 845-340-0001, www.shamrockrunners.org
Windham Mountain, Windham. 518-734-4300, www.windhammountain.com
Penning's Farm Market, Warwick. 973-764-4936, www.theillustrioustheatre.org
Emma's Ale House, White Plains. 914-683-3662, www.emmasalehouse.com
Kilt Run, Averill Park. www.kiltrace.com
Spotty Dog Books and Ale, Hudson. 518-671-6006, www.thespottydog.com
Mahoney's Irish Pub, Poughkeepsie. 845-471-3027, www.mahoneysirishpub.com
