St. Paddy’s Day Fun

The saying goes, “We’re all a little Irish on St. Paddy’s Day.” The festive vibe is strong, we see more green around here than we typically do in spring, and delicious Irish classics start popping up in many of the great restaurants in our area. Let's start locally and see if we can follow the Irish rainbow to a pot o’ gold.

It might not be an Irish meal, but what’s more Irish than sharing a good time with good people? If you come down to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 6360 Route 242 East in Ellicottville, you’re definitely in for an enjoyable evening. They are hosting an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner experience this Saturday, March 15th from 4:30-7:00pm. Adults are $15 and children (12 & under) are $10. Take out is also available. Don’t forget to wear something green!

Go get yourself some happiness in a non-alcoholic glass at the Alpine Bistro. They’ve got a variety of specialty coffee drinks for all of those lords and lasses that need a daily pick-me-up. Indulge in a Lucky Charms Latte (toasted marshmallow & vanilla bean), a Shamrock Steamer (white hot chocolate/creme de menthe) or your very own Pot O’ Gold (bourbon caramel latte). Or just add some Irish Cream Cold Foam onto your usual caffeinated order. However you have it, this menu is only there until the leprechauns return home, so don’t miss out!

You can’t be Irish without taking in some libations on St. Patrick’s Day. And what better thing to drink (besides a cold dark glass of Guinness, of course) than the Winery of Ellicottville’s EVL Green? This favorite always flies off the shelves, some might say like magic. It is a crisp and sweet blend with notes of tropical fruit and green apple. Perfect served alongside some corned beef and cabbage or traditional shepherd’s pie. And the flavor is now supposably enhanced with leprechaun tears! The Winery is located at 14 Monroe Street right here in Ellicottville.

And of course you can’t forget THE local spot to get your St. Paddy’s party on for over 43 years. Put on your finest green and soak in the vibes of Madigan’s green bar. Located at 36 Washington Street in downtown Ellicottville, treat yourself to some of their delicious Guinness Mac & Cheese or enjoy their traditional (and locally famous) Corned Beef and Cabbage special. Play a little pool, rock out on one of the dance floors, and remember that everyone wearing their best green is there for a good time, which is really in line with Irish tradition.

Make sure to keep an eye out on your Facebook event pages and feeds to keep track of any other local places hosting something special for St. Pat’s weekend. New things pop up everyday.

Moving on to outside of Ellicottville…

Allegany State Park invites all you athletic ladies and gentlemen to dress in your favorite shade of green and pedal your way through the park with fellow riders on March 14th. Meet at the Red House Administration building at 6:30pm. Pot luck social to follow in the Red House Picnic Shelter. The Allegany State Park Environmental Education and Recreation Department and the Western New York Mountain Bike Association (WNYMBA) are excited about hosting another year of fun rides. The 5 to 8-mile rides are for all levels and will last up to 2 hours, depending on the weather. Riders will roll through the Red House area of the park. If there is no snow, any mountain bike is welcome. Although pre-registration is not required, if you are interested in borrowing a bike for any event, please call 716-379-6939 as bike availability is limited. Meet other fat tire bike enthusiasts at these Friday night fun rides. Bring warm clothes, a helmet, a head light, and a sense of adventure. Check in is at 6:30pm and rides start at 6:45pm. Social to follow rides.

Even the libraries are getting involved. Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day with The Friends of Little Valley at The Memorial Library of Little Valley, located at 110 Rocky City Street in Little Valley, NY on March 15th. Holiday games begin after a short Irish-themed book read at 11:00am, with prizes to redeem following! Ages 2 and under will have a separate space dedicated for a Gold Coin hunt, where 3 and up will partake in games to win their coins. This is a FREE event the whole family can enjoy and light refreshments will be provided. Give the kiddos a bit o’ luck and fun this St. Paddy’s weekend!

Or you can celebrate on the 13th at the Gowanda Free Library at 56 West Main Street in Gowanda, NY from 10:00am-4:00pm with a Shamrock Scavenger Hunt. Lucky little fair folk will explore the library to find hidden shamrocks; if they find 5 they can enter for a chance to win a prize. Discover a golden shamrock to double your chances or maybe be in tune with the luck o’ the Irish and find a golden coin to triple your chances. Only cost of entrance is checking out 2 books. This program is open for children of all ages. Winner will be announced March 31st.

Wherever you choose to go and whatever you choose to do, keep in mind it’s going to be a good time. And don’t forget… we’re all a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

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