MINT HILL, NC – Celebrated annually on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the anniversary of the death of the patron Saint of Ireland widely credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
St. Patrick’s day has been observed as a religious holiday in Ireland for over 1000 years, but it didn’t really catch on in America until the late 1700s. On March 17, 1772, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City to honor St. Patrick. Today, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest in the United States with over 150K participants and 3M spectators annually. The 1.5-mile procession takes more than five hours! Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Savannah also host large celebrations to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day remains a celebration of Irish culture in cities big and small across the United States, but you don’t have to travel to New York City or even Savannah to join in the fun! Here are some great ways you can celebrate right here in Mint Hill.
On Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, Mint Hill Coffee & Social House will be offering Irish whiskey flights. Enjoy four different Irish whiskeys with a few snack pairings for $25. Stay for Music Bingo on March 17, and take advantage of Irish-themed drink specials and cocktails available all month. Follow Mint Hill Coffee & Social House on social media for up-to-date information on everything happening at the coffee house.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s day at Pour 64 with green beer and Irish beers on tap! Pour 64’s 40 rotating taps enable customers to enjoy an Irish beer flight to celebrate the holiday. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Pour 64 starts on Friday, March 17, and extends through Saturday, March 18.
Mama K’s Kettle Corn is popping a new flavor for St. Patrick’s Day: white cheddar and green apple blend! Grab a bag of this festive blend Thursday through Saturday from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm or Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Enjoy a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, baked potatoes and carrots at The Hill Bar & Grill at their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration! They’ll have green beer and Irish music courtesy of Clanndarragh Tríréad Irish band, a “trad”, or traditional, Irish music trio formed from the larger Clanndarragh Irish music community of Charlotte. The trio includes Jessica Pall from Gaffney (tin whistle, flute, vocals), Leonard Fitzsimons from Belfast, Ireland, now in Charlotte (bodhrán), and Greg Platko from Mint Hill (guitar, harmonica, vocals). The trio performs traditional Irish ballads, pub songs, and instrumentals in and around the Charlotte area. Clanndarragh Tríréad will be performing from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve has activities for all ages to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in the great outdoors. Gear up for St. Patrick’s day with your preschooler on Thursday, March 9, or Friday, March 10 by taking your “Tiny Trekker” on some “Lep-recon.” Through this program, children ages 3-5 and adults will follow clues and obstacles that lead to the mayhem-making leprechaun’s pot of gold! Pre-registration is required, and there is a $5 fee per child.
Put your natural knowledge to the test at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve on March 17 as you follow the Leprechaun’s clues to find a hidden treasure! There is a short version that stays close to the Nature Center and a longer version that takes you on the trails; both begin at the Nature Center. Stop by any time between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to participate! Children ages 10+ and adults can also participate in a St. Patrick’s Day-themed archery activity from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Test your accuracy and see if you can hit all the four leaf clovers in the “Shamrock Shooting Gallery.” No experience or equipment is needed, but you do need to pre-register by March 15. The Treasure Hunt is free, and the Shamrock Shooting Gallery is $15 per person.
