Niagara-on-the-Lake residents and visitors packed pubs, donned green and embraced Irish traditions Tuesday as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations brought music, food and festivities across town.
Across town, people dressed in green T-shirts, leprechaun hats, beads and hair accessories, while some enjoyed green drinks at local spots such as the Sandtrap Pub & Grill.
Inside, patrons listened to Irish classics like “Whisky in the Jar” performed by Barley Brae while sharing pub food and Guinness.
“I was named after an Irish boxer, and so was my son,” said Tim Buttigieg. “Irish people are great people.”
He was at the Sandtrap with friend Ken Sporar, who travelled from Oshawa. Sporar said they started a St. Patrick’s Day tradition about 15 years ago, gathering each year to celebrate with friends.
“We’re always up for a good time and you know what, this is their day so why not celebrate?” said Sporar.
The Irish Harp also hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, a tradition spanning about 20 years. The event featured a prize wheel, two dance groups, four bands and a draw for a trip to Ireland, awarded Wednesday.
While owner Jovie Joki said she wasn’t a fan of the cold weather, it didn’t dampen spirits.
“It’s one of our busiest days,” she said, noting the pub enforces a three-hour time limit for patrons on St. Patrick’s Day.
Joki also reflected on the pub’s Irish roots. Her former business partner, Trevor Smyth, who was Irish, died in 2013.
She said she hopes he would be proud of the celebration.
Other venues, including the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 and the Olde Angel Inn, also hosted gatherings.
At the Olde Angel Inn, Paul Couture and Connie Gervais struck up a conversation with visitors from Oakville who were originally from Belfast.
At the Legion, president Al Howse said the event has been running for “five or six years” and offers a chance for familiar faces to reconnect.
“It’s a good time for a party,” he said.
The day also included activities for children.
The Cake Café in Virgil hosted a St. Patrick’s Day-themed cake-decorating class for children five and older. Participants decorated miniature cakes with green and white icing and clover designs.
Seven children attended, including five-year-old Zelda Ehret, who was visiting from Toronto during March Break.
“She really wanted to do it,” said her grandmother, Astrid Shrubb.
“She loves sweets, yes, very much so, but she’s also very creative and she’s always wanting to help in the kitchen and make things and come up with things … she’s really excited about decorating a cake.”
St. Patrick’s Day, held each year on March 17, marks the death of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.
