Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Irish fun for all

A roundup of St. Patrick's events in southern Maine.

By Avery Yale Kamila akamila@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, it's good to remember that drinking Guinness, painting shamrocks on your face and wearing funny hats aren't the only ways to celebrate.

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Cara Slifka

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Staff Photo by Gordon Chibroski, Saturday, March 18, 2006: Performers in the some 30 member troup of Irish dancers from the Stillson School of Irish Dance perform for the gathering of parade participants and onlookers on Pleasant Street at Center and Fore during a celebration sponsored by the Irish American Club in Portland that included a parade from India St and talks and entertainment in a gathering at the John Ford Statue.

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You could just as easily listen to Irish music, watch a parade, hunt for ghosts, jump in the ocean, run a 5K or leg wrestle with roller derby stars. And if those events don't give you a proper sense of Irish pride, head to your local watering hole and drink your fill of green beer. We won't judge.

Whether you want your St. Paddy's commemoration to be boozy or brainy, we've combed the leprechaun-loving events and picked out the best of the bunch. The rest (including those must-have green Mardi Gras beads) is up to you. 

Moonlight Madness Sale

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, downtown Bath

For some of us, shopping is the best way to celebrate any holiday, and Bath delivers with music and shops that stay open later than normal. Best of all, some will be serving up free drinks. www.visitbath.com 

Solas

8 p.m. Friday, One Longfellow Square, Portland

Billed as "the most influential Irish-American super group," Solas comes to Portland with its bluesy, sometimes jazz-inspired improvisations and global rhythms. $25 in advance; $28 at the door. 761-1757 

Shamrock Sprint 5K

8:15 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. run Saturday, corner of Washington and Center streets, Bath

Break out your running shoes but leave the beer at home to hit the pavement in a benefit for Morse High School project graduation. $15. www.visitbath.com 

Bath St. Patrick's Day Parade

11 a.m. Saturday, starts at St. Mary's Church, 144 Lincoln St.

Yeah, we know – Saturday isn't really St. Patrick's Day. But this parade, billed as the largest of its kind in Maine, gets our vote because it's sponsored by Byrnes' Irish Pub. www.visitbath.com

Tug-o-War Blarney Challenge

Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Bath City Hall, 55 Front St.

Watch teams of firefighters, police officers and local business owners battle it out with a thick piece of rope. www.visitbath.com 

Step Dance Performance & Film Screening

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dunaway Center, 23 School St., Ogunquit

The traditional costumes, the fancy footwork, the stick-straight arms – the performers from the Stillson School of Irish Dance have got it all. Stay after the show for a reception, followed by a screening of "My Left Foot." $5. 646-7055 

Irish Whiskey Tasting & Dinner

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jimmy the Greeks, 215 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach

Proving that when St. Patrick's Day rolls around it doesn't matter what your nationality is, this Greek restaurant rolls out the green with a five-course meal where whiskey is both in the food (lobster in whiskey cream sauce and steak and whiskey pie) and served on the side. $39.99. 934-7499 

Maine Roller Derby's Lucky Lass

St. Patrick's Day Party

9 p.m. Saturday, Bubba's Sulky Lounge, 92 Portland St., Portland

The rough-and-tumble derby girls join forces with DJ Todd the Rocket for a green-tinged throw-down. Make sure you bulk up, as party events include leg wrestling and human musical chairs. $5 cover. www.mainerollerderby.com 

Mary's Walk & Kerrymen Pub Road Race

10 to 11:30 a.m. registration Sunday, Saco

Join thousands in raising money for a good cause in this 12th annual event. The run starts at 12:05 p.m. in front of the Kerrymen Pub, 512 Main St., and the walk begins from Thornton Academy after the last runners go by. Participants gather at the pub after the race for a beverage or three. $20 for walkers; $25 for runners. Benefits the Maine Cancer Foundation. www.maryswalk.org 

Portland St. Patrick's Day Parade

Noon Sunday, Commercial Street, Portland

This parade isn't really on St. Patrick's Day either, but what are you gonna do? Check out a display of green pride featuring the Dunlap Highland Pipe Band and the Stillson School of Irish Dance. 671-2480 

Get Your Irish Up

7 p.m. Tuesday, Bull Feeney's, 375 Fore St., Portland

An Irish playwright, a poet and a novelist walk into a bar and share their award-winning work. Who doesn't want to drink to that? Featured writers include Ronan Noone, Aidan Rooney and Mary O'Donoghue. $5; benefits the Telling Room. www.tellingroom.org

St. Paddy's Day Plunge

5:30 a.m. Wednesday, East End Beach, Portland

Whether you're in it to support a good cause or as an excuse to drink an early morning beer, this St. Patrick's Day tradition (and this is on St. Patrick's Day) will wake you up with an icy jolt. After your swim, head to Ri Ra for a free buffet and a breakfast Guinness. Pick up pledge sheets at the bar and raise money for the Portland Firefighters Burn Foundation. 761-4446 

Brian Boru Party

6 a.m. to close Wednesday, 57 Center St., Portland

You know you've got Celtic blood in your veins when you start the day with a traditional Irish breakfast, complete with bacon, potatoes and black pudding, for $13.50. Full bar and music throughout the day. No cover. 780-1506 

Sea Dog Brewing Co. Party

8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, 125 Western Ave., South Portland

Get your party started early with music from the Don Campbell band, plus Irish breakfast food and $2.50 Irish stouts and $5 Irish car bombs. seadogbrewing.blogspot.com 

Ri Ra Irish Pub Party

8 a.m. to close Wednesday, 72 Commercial St., Portland

The party starts early and ends late at Ri Ra, where the festivities kick off with Bailey's Mistake at 8 a.m. and conclude with Now is Now at 10 p.m. No cover. 761-4446 

Boghat

7 p.m. Wednesday, Inn on Peaks Island

This trio of Portland-based musicians offers up Irish dance music that jumps from fiery reels to sexy jigs. The pub serves beverages guaranteed to keep your toes tapping. www.innonpeaks.com

Celtic Cosmology

6 p.m. Wednesday, USM Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth St., Portland

Forget for a moment St. Patrick and his snakes and let Jane Raeburn, author of "The Celtic Wicca," tell you about the Emerald Isle's pagan side. Donations accepted. 780-4249 

Irish Music Under the Dome

7 p.m. Wednesday, USM Southworth Planetarium, Portland

Return to Ireland's pre-Christian roots when ancient people were guided by the stars during this performance from Celtic duo Castlebay. If you like your musical merriment served up with a side order of mystical lore, this show's for you. $12 adults; $10 children. 780-4249 

An Irish Wicked Walking Tour

8 p.m. Wednesday, Bell Buoy Park, Portland (next to Ri Ra)

Scare up ghosts of St. Paddy's Day past with this spooky tour of the Old Port, where you'll learn what Irish spirits linger along the waterfront. $15 adults; $13 children. www.wickedwalkingtours.com 

Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at:

akamila@pressherald.com