Readers Choice for St. Patrick's Day: Dinner, Dancing and Raffle at St. John's

The results are in, and it’s pretty clear what Healdsburg’s ‘Irish-for-a-day’ voters like to do on St. Patrick’s Day: head to for their annual .

Really, it’s no wonder. Not only do they serve a traditional Irish-style meal of corned beef and cabbage prepared by the Knights of Columbus, but they also have Irish dancing, activities for kids, lively and silent auction of donated items – and a raffle for a trip for 2 to Ireland!

The event takes place in the Parish Activity Center, and according to school secretary Noele Brown, “It’s been going on forever! I remember we were doing it when I was in fifth grade here.” Surely not “forever,” but it’s clearly a long-standing tradition.

Raffle tickets are $10 each, but better deals can be had at 3 for $25, 7 for $50, or 15 for $100. Other raffle prizes include an iPad 2 and a complete auto detail from Silveira Healdsburg.

The event begins at 6:30 and continues until 8, rain or shine. (It’s indoors, at the ….) Cost is only $10 or $17 for kids. Proceeds benefit the week-long 5^th grade class trip to the Westminster Woods Outdoor Education Camp.

"It's our biggest fundraiser by far, and we're just thrilled to win the Patch poll," added Brown.

(see below) fared far less well, but we suspect more than a handful of early-risers will be up for “first call” of Irish Whiskeys at the at 6 a.m., and the followingparade around the at 7 a.m. We were there last year as you can see in the accompanying video.

Next week: What’s your choice for best day care or pre-school in Healdsburg?

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