St. Patrick’s Day occurs annually on March 17 in observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish Culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing and a whole lot of green.
Check out some interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day:
387 Patrick was born in Britain not Ireland.
403 At age 16, Patrick was kidnapped and sent to Ireland as a slave.
409 Patrick escaped.
432 Believing he’d been called to spread the word of God Patrick returns to Ireland.
434-435 Patrick sees success converting the Irish to Christianity, reportedly baptizing 12,000 people in a single day near Killala.
In the US more than 650,000 babies have been named Patrick over the past 100 years.
There are over 450 churches named St. Patrick in the United States.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.
New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade is led by the National Guard 69th Regiment, known as the ‘Fighting 69’.
At the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, participants march up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street. Each year, between 150,000 and 250,000 marchers take part in the parade, which does not allow automobiles or floats.
40 lbs of green dye is used to turn the CHICAGO RIVER green for St. Patrick’s Day. Over 100,000 people watch the river change colors.
Nearly 122 million Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 83% wear green. 34% make a special diner. 31% attend a party.
34.7 Million US residents claim Irish ancestry.
Clifton Forge VA small town USA is host of The Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in VIRGINIA possibly the WORLD.
The Alleghany Highlands and visitors gather downtown CFVA for the March 17th celebration creating more fun per capita than any other celebration in the world. This in turn makes the Town of Clifton Forge’s St. Patrick’s day celebration The BIGGEST SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE.
so…
Get your best green outfit ready and assemble at 5PM, rain or shine, at Bannon’s Irish Inn at 411 E. Ridgeway Street. We will eat – Irish Soda Bread – We will drink – Green Punch- Enjoy live music – Be merry while participating in or cheering on the Ugliest Knees Contest.
So all you lads and lassies be sure to wear your kilt. Then we will parade across Ridgeway Street to Jack Mason’s Tavern at 400 E. Ridgeway Street to lift a glass in toast to St. Patrick and to each other.
Green beverages and St Patrick Day Food specials will be available for your enjoyment.
Enjoy the celebration and downtown. Visit the renown Jack Mason’s Tavern, Vic’s Family Restaurant, Fine dining at Cafe’ Michele or stroll the Historic District. At 7PM check out Third Friday’s Blue Grass Jam at the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.
Celebrate ST. Patrick’s day Alleghany Style.
Enjoy our YOUTUBE video 2015 Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
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