BY ALEXIS WARD
Wilkes-Barre celebrates all things Irish with its 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15.
Festivities commence on Public Square with the Renal Race — a 5K run and 1-mile fun walk to raise awareness and funds for kidney cancer research and advocacy programs — at 9 a.m. Participation costs $23, including fees, through runsignup.com. Registration runs from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, 77 E. Market St., and runners step off at Public Square and race through Kirby Park before returning to the square. The first 100 registrants receive shirts, and the event features prizes, refreshments and entertainment.
The parade then begins at 2 p.m. at South and South Main streets. The route travels along South Main Street, heads around Public Square toward East Market Street and ends at North Main and Union streets. Roads will close from noon to 4 p.m.
Parade-goers will enjoy the sights and sounds of pipe and drum bands, Irish step dancers and floats celebrating the legacy and tradition of Irish culture.
Throughout the day, establishments in downtown Wilkes-Barre open their doors to green-clad patrons hoping to continue the celebration.
Beer Boys,176 N. Washington St., opens at 9 a.m. with its annual Kegs and Eggs Breakfast featuring Susquehanna Brewing Co.’s Tapped and hosted by DJ Rich Steele. Specials run throughout the day, including $5 Miller high life pitchers, $4.75 Guinness pints and $6 Irish Car Bomb shots, with a half-price happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can also catch Always Undecided, Graces Downfall, the Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum Band, and Ceol Mor Pipe and Drum Band playing from noon to 4 p.m.
Heat Bar & Nightclub, 69-71 N. Main St., hosts its fifth annual Parade Day Bash starting at 11 a.m. with a happy hour that includes $1 hot dogs, $2 domestic beers, $3 Jameson shots and $4 Irish Car Bomb shots. The club side, complete with LED dance floor, will be open all day, and bingo is scheduled for 9 p.m.
At 25 Public Square, City Market and Cafe offers $3 bombs, fireballs, tea bombs and domestic drafts and bottles from 1 to 5 p.m. with no cover. Entertainment features DJ Magnum.
Contact the writer: award@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127
