By Liz Mitchell
We’re not entirely Irish, but we are totally patriotic. St. Patrick’s Day delivers a seasonal excuse for a little bit of FUN raising, and it’s a perfect prelude to our North Carolina 4th of July Festival. That’s right! It’s green on St. Patty’s Day to support the preparations for the red, white and blue of our major July event.
When it comes to celebrating, we can do it right in Southport any time of year. Visitors will find a warm welcome March 17 as we gear up for our really hot festival on July 4. The Luck of the Irish event will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Upstairs at the Beach in the Town of Oak Island Pier.
The wearing of the green is often thought to bring the luck of the Irish. One legend relates it to the three-leafed green clover St. Patrick used to symbolize the Holy Trinity, and the religious observance may have begun as a feast day honoring the famed patron saint of Ireland on the date of his death in the fifth century. History also relates the shamrock to the symbol of spring’s rebirth.
Cabbage is a common Irish vegetable, and the traditional Irish bacon has transitioned to corned beef. Sometimes the meal is accompanied by Irish soda bread, and Irish ale might be tasty with the food.
Admission to the St. Patty’s Day FUN Raising is $25 per person and includes an Irish dinner, dancing and a souvenir glass. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at the Southport Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, the Ricky Evans Gallery and the First Citizens Bank in Oak Island. For more information, call 910-457-5578.