Two Parades, Five Outfits, Four Pubs, One Ceili and a Sunburn
- Callan Gist
- Mar 18, 2019
- 4 min read
Wow! As any Irish person in Arizona knows Saint Patrick's Day isn't just the day but rather a whole long marathon of different events! Now my birthday is also on the 15th so throw that in the mix and you have one hectic, hilarious and memorable weekend!
Friday - My Birthday!
Started of the afternoon at The Irish Hare for live music and drinks, proceeds from their St. Patrick's day events went to the amazing Make it Count 4 Dani Foundation (A "worldwide “movement” dedicated to help improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from the debilitating effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis") My Nana who's family is mostly from Co. Tipperary suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis so this foundation is one that I have a personal connection. I really support and believe that they are making great strides to improve the lives of those suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Then of to the other side of the City to Rosie McCaffrey's in downtown Phoenix, to spend the rest of the evening listening to live music at their kick off to St. Patrick's day party. Enjoyed some delicious Irish Nachos and drinks, and then of course I couldn't skip making a wish while blowing out a celebratory birthday candle on their delicious double chocolate cake!
Saturday - Phoenix St. Patrick's day Parade and Faire ☘
Saturday began with the VIP breakfast at St. Mary's in downtown Phoenix. The new 2019 Colleen and Rose with her Junior court, the Grand Marshall - Weatherman Corey McCloskey, and the Irish persons of the year were all presented; along with some yummy food and much appreciated coffee! After this; Parade round one began; this year I participated in the Colleen and Rose selection and so I donned my sponsors sash (Seamus McCaffrey's home of my favorite Irish nacho's) and traveled the parade route with my fellow contestants Liz Emery, Jerrika Wade, Chrissy Papot, Brisa Saylor, and Beth Judd, unfortunately Sali Thompson couldn't make it). Once I hit the end of the parade route I had to figure out how to get back to the begining and do it all over again! Thankfully the helpful Officer Lewis with Phoenix PD gave me a ride back up to the top of the Parade route and the waiting red mustang convertible that was to be my ride. I have to say I don't think I have ever felt cooler than getting out of a police SUV right next to the convertible I'm about to ride in! Our current chapter president and 2016 Young Ambassador Laddie Shane drove, and our 2017 and 2018 Young Ambassadors Valerie and Thomas walked along to pass out beads and candy along the route.
After the Parade we headed down to the Faire at the Irish Cultural Center and Margaret T. Hance park. I rendezvoused with the other Colleen contestants and we all introduced ourselves on the main stage before the 2019 court took the stage to perform their talents. I spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the faire and assisting here and there. Late afternoon the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library had me draw the winning ticket for the 10k drawing, before I headed to the Friends of St. Patrick booth to finish up the last shift before closing it up.
As evening rolled around I headed home to rest up, put on lots of aloe vera. Pale Irish skin and the Arizona sun make for one good tomato impression! Ha Ha!
Sunday - St. Patrick's Day
Up bright and early at 6am to head down to Tucson for their parade and festival, it was a nice breezy day which helped it feel not to warm in the Arizona sun. For this parade I got to use an SUV and let me tell you..having the shade from the trunk door - especially with Saturdays sunburn- while riding in the parade was Fantastic! After the parade I made a brief stop at the festival to pass out some chapter brochures, check out the varies booths and of course get a T-Shirt! Since I was little my dad and I like to joke "Been there, done that, got the t-shirt" about things because I was involved in so many programs when I was younger that I ended up with dozens and dozens of shirts! Word to the wise need me to do something..throw in a T-Shirt! I enjoy having a wearable memories of the people and things that I have done, when I pull a T-Shirt out of my drawer I also pull out all the good times that came with it.
After the festival it was back up to Phoenix for the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland library's family event, helping my mother with the Traditional Irish tea, there was live music from local musicians and I also spoke about St. Patrick and the Friends of St. Patrick Centre.
Headed over to Jim Boyle's dairy out in Mesa then for their family's annual St. Patrick's day party, great company and absolutely delicious food; I definitely had several delicious homemade rice crispy treats.
Headed back into downtown Phoenix to meet up with the 2019 Colleen and Rose Kayla along with Ceili The Irish Lass, and the Little Miss Shamrocks Sophie and Kate, along their pub crawl at Seamus McCaffrey's block party.
Then once again back to the Irish Cultural Center for the St, Patrick's day ceili! Ran into some friends there and had a great time dancing the night away. Jim Daugherty and his wife teach a Ceili the 3rd Friday of every month at the Irish Cultural Center, Ceili nights are always great fun!
Finally rapping up the evening out in Chandler at Fiber McGee's pub, when you go there I highly recommend their Ghirardelli and Guinness chocolate brownie!! A benefit to being there to close out the night was as they began to tear down, they gave me some cool St. Patrick's day Guinness signage!
I had so many different stops and events this weekend it was overflowing with fun and friends! This is just the start of my year and with each thing I grow more and more excited about whats to come!
...and that's a wrap on St. Patrick's Day 2019!
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