By Carol Fisher-Linn
It’s that time of year when everyone is Irish for a day, or a weekend. In the Southern Tier we have opportunities to celebrate the beloved St. Patrick by not only wearing green and drinking green beer, but by celebrating the greening of the river in Jamestown at the Riverwalk Brooklyn Square, 15 So. Main Street, March 15, 10am. Jamestown has a Lucky Leprechaun who works its magic (but only for a few hours!) so get there on time before the green river goes poof!
Did you know that Jamestown is only one of three US cities that dye a river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? The Chicago River which has consistently been dyed green for 64 years, all because in 1961 the river was polluted with sewage. Mayor Daley ordered an industrial orange dye placed in a specific region of the river to see if they could pinpoint the polluters. Seeing the green water and a fun opportunity, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade chairman, Stephen Bailey, had the idea to turn the entire river green for St. Patty’s Day, thus starting a beloved tradition. Visit the wonderful River Walk in San Antonio for St. Patty’s Day and discover that they also dye the San Antonio River green. Other cities have tried various versions, dying canals and fountains, but visitors to Jamestown can see the real deal in a green river right here in NY.
Olean’s Southern Tier Catholic School (921 No. Union St. Olean) is holding its annual St. Patrick’s Day party on March 15, 7pm. No parade but plenty of fun and chances to win money and prizes – $25K in prizes, food, drinks, games and raffles. Cost: $100 for two people. It is one of the school’s largest fundraisers of the year – tickets can be purchased from School Students and faculty or call 716-372-8122.
Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer NY is hosting its annual Spring Fest, March 14-16. This year’s Spring Fest will have St. Patrick’s Day theme and attendees are encouraged to dress in green. It will be a fun weekend featuring live music, DJ parties, great food and drinks, and the return of the iconic Cardboard Box Derby and Pond Skim. This event is free. For the full schedule of events, visit: www.pknpk.com/special-events/spring-fest-2025
In Ellicottville, come celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Mill St. Sports Pub on Monday, March 17! Irish Music Fritz and the Poor Boys at 2pm, Corned Beef and Cabbage dinners, Reubens, Bangers and Mashed food Specials along with some great drinks. Match wits on Special Trivia Night with some St Patrick’s Day inspired questions at 7pm with Dylan and Geeks who Drink. Maybe the trivia king/queen will win a lucky shamrock! The Gin Mill welcomes back Kody and Herron playing traditional Irish songs. And, of course, Madigan’s, home of all things Irish, will be celebrating the Irishness in all of us all day long. Wear your kilt!
In Buffalo, The United Irish American Association (UIAA) presents a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16th at 2pm on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. All are welcome to join parade chaplains Fr. David Richards and Bishop Michael Fisher celebrate the Mass at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral at 10:30am before the lineup around the McKinley Monument for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
cities that dye a river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
The Chicago River which has consistently been dyed green
for 64 years.
March 15 – 1-10:30pm: St. Patrick’s Day Music Fest x Ebenezer Ale House & Rusty Nickel Brewing is a festive celebration featuring live music, great beer, and Irish-inspired fun! Enjoy a lively atmosphere with performances from local bands, delicious drinks, and plenty of St. Paddy’s Day spirit at two fantastic venues. Whether you’re there for the tunes, the brews, or the craic, this event promises a memorable time. 4350 Seneca St, West Seneca.
Join the fun at the 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, presented by the Niagara Falls Ancient Order of Hibernians! Enjoy “The World’s Shortest Parade” at the corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Old Falls Street (4:45). Featuring traditional Irish food, drinks, and live entertainment, Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross and the McCarthy School of Irish Dance will follow inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center until 10 p.m. 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls NY. $15 at door. Kids under 12 with adult are free.
Here’s an Irish toast to start your celebrations: “May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold. And at the end of all your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold.”