An Irish celebration should include food and music, and there is plenty of both on offer as part of St. Patrick's Day-themed events around the city.
Stratford Legion Branch 8 are hosting an afternoon "filled with the spirit of Ireland" on March 17, featuring Bill Craig, formerly of the Irish Rovers.
Craig also had a role in the cult classic, The Boondock Saints, about Irish brothers bent on vigilante justice.
There is no cover charge or entry fee, but guests are encouraged to donate at the door. Doors open at 1 p.m. with music from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Annie's Seafood (698 Ontario St.) is getting locals warmed up for the occasion by hosting an Irish Sunday Dinner.
It will feature corned beef and cabbage, carrots and potato, for $22.99. Guests are asked to book in advance (519-271-8100) for a seating from 4-5:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and alert organizers if they have any gluten or dairy sensitivities.
At Mercer Hall (108 Ontario St.), a special St. Patrick's Day brunch is offered from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. It features Irish-inspired dishes including an Irish breakfast with grilled tomatoes and boxy potatoes as well as a St. Pat's Benny.
Local musician Dan Stacey has a few shows coming up. Stacey will perform at The Livery Yard (104 Downie St.) on Saturday (March 16) from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Organizers describe it as a chance for "great coffee & exceptional traditional fiddle music."
Stacey is also performing at The Bunker (104 Wellington St.), the venue for a St. Patrick's Day musical celebration,starting at 7 p.m. Also set to entertain are Fiddle and Frets, a duo of Lindsay Schindler (violin/fiddle/vocals) and Barry James Payne (guitar/bouzouki/vocals).
Both are formerly of the Celtic group, Rant Maggie Rant.
Tickets are available here.
Another musical event on Saturday features Fiddle Stix and Celtic Dancers at The Hall (15 Church Street). Doors open at 7:15 p.m. The show, for ages 19 and above, starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets, at $35, are available at Needles Home Appliance Centre (144 Erie St.), by calling 519-271-6721, or clicking here.
Local restaurants and bars should also be hopping with locals out to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
