Get yer Irish up!

It's that time of year again here in St. Louis. In a town founded by the French and inhabited by one of the largest breweries of German ancestry, the Irish are no slackers in the party department.

My friend Angie, my husband and son went with me last night to the Young Ireland Club's St. Patrick's dance held at Immaculate Conception parish in Maplewood. Bubba (not his real name) had a great time running around and dancing to all the music, even without the missing bohdran player. Angie and I hung out for a while and listened after Bubba (not his real name) got tired and Dad had to take him home.

The downtown St. Patrick's Day parade will be held on Saturday, March 11. This also includes the famous 10K, now the Michelob Ultra St. Patrick's Day run. I haven't been down there in a few years, but I have many fond memories, of seeing the sights of the runners (many in costumes which are green or include cans of beer) and getting my picture taken with my brother Greg and the A-B leprachaun, Sean O'Anheuser when I was in sixth grade. I was already two heads taller than he was, even with his extremely large hat. I've got to dig that one up!

This year, I'm actually going to take my chances to see the Dogtown parade, (aka the "real" St. Patrick's parade) since I am off work that day. I've been asking around and all I keep hearing is go early and be prepared to walk a lot. Lots and lots of people show up for this parade which is held every year on St. Patrick's Day and sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the Dogtown neighborhood of St. Louis.

After the parade, explore the numerous restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, or check out nearby Turtle Park, then see Forest Park and its attractions, such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or History Museum.

For more information, see Explore St.Louis from the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission.