St. Patty’s celebration in downtown Ludington

DOWNTOWN LUDINGTON TO HOST ST. PATTY’S DAY CELEBRATION

Shamrock Parade, Irish Jig 5K Fun Run and Pub Crawl Among Activities Scheduled

Downtown Ludington will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with several events scheduled on Saturday, March 17.

The St. Patty’s Day Celebration, sponsored by Downtown Ludington, will be feature the Shamrock Parade presented by Sportsman’s Irish Pub, a kegs & eggs breakfast, Irish Jig 5K Fun Run, the Emerald Ball, a Pub Crawl and a chance to win prizes to Downtown Ludington businesses as well as $500 cash.

“We have a whole day of activities planned for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy”, said Brandy Henderson, marketing & communications coordinator. “We hope this will be another fun, family-friendly opportunity for people to come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while discovering Downtown Ludington.”

Pot-of-Gold

The event will also feature a search for the Pot-of-Gold. Throughout the day, people will have opportunities to earn “clovers” by participating in any of the activities, participating and attending the parade, shopping at a downtown business and/or eating at a downtown restaurant. There will be 3-, 4- and 5-leaf clovers for people to earn. Individuals who find a 4-leaf clover will receive gift certificates and/or merchandise to downtown businesses valued at $100. One lucky individual who finds the 5-leaf clover will have found the Pot-of-Gold and win $500 cash.

“Giving people the chance to win the $500 Pot-O-Gold is a great incentive to further entice people to join in the celebration and take part in more of the activities throughout the day” said Heather Venzke, Ludington community development director.

Irish Jig 5K Fun Run

The Irish Jig 5K Fun Run is open to all ages and will take place at 10 a.m. starting at the North James Street Plaza. Pre-registration is now open and will take place through March 9. Pre-Registration is $20 and will include a commemorative t-shirt. After March 9, registration cost will be $25. Registration forms can be found online at www.DowntownLudington.org. Donations from this event will benefit the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Shamrock Parade

The Shamrock Parade, presented by Sportsman’s Irish Pub, will make its way along South James Street at noon. The parade will travel north along South James Street between Danaher Street and Ludington Avenue, then head west along Ludington Ave. to Rath Avenue. Families, businesses and organizations are invited to take part in the parade.

“We want this parade to be unlike any other parade here in Ludington,” said Venzke. “We are encouraging families to take part as well as more walkers in the parade. And of course everyone is required to wear green.”

Parade applications are now available at Ludington City Hall, the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce and online at www.DowntownLudington.org. Entry is free and must be received no later than Monday, March 12.

Emerald Ball

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will also be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with its Emerald Ball, which will take place at the center from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The Emerald Ball will feature a concert by General Assembly, cash bar and Irish-inspired hors d’oeuvres by PM Steamers. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear green. For tickets and information, call the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at 231-845-2787.

Pub Crawl

“Downtown Ludington hosts a pub crawl as part of the Oktoberfest celebration in the fall and it is always a favorite”, said Henderson. “We couldn’t think of a better way to end the St. Patrick’s Day festivities than with a pub crawl filled with green beer and more.”

The St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl will kick-off at 6 p.m. and conclude at Stearns Motor Inn/Tiki Lounge at 11 p.m. where individuals visiting six or more of the participating establishments can submit their pub crawl punch card into the drawing for prizes and cash. Pub crawl punch cards can be purchased at AJ’s Party Port the week of March 12 until 8 p.m. March 17^th.  Participants in the Pub Crawl must be 21 years of age or older.

For more information about any of these activities, please visit www.DowntownLudington.org or contact the Community Development Office at 845-6237.