St. Patrick's Day 2017: Parades, Festivities and Events in the Greater Danbury Area

DANBURY, CT — The wearin' of the green, the eatin' of the soda bread and the drinkin' of the barley and hops — it's that time of year where everyone is Irish for a day. Say cheers to your friends on St. Patrick’s Day by saying “Slàinte” (pronounced SLAHN-chə) which means “good health" in Gaelic.

Wish someone "Happy St. Patrick’s Day" or "Happy Paddy’s Day" (with a “D”) but never say “Patty’s Day” with a “T.” What's the big deal? Because Paddy is derived from the Irish, Pádraig for St. Patrick, the Saint who brought Christianity to Ireland. According to PaddyNotPatty.com, “Patty is the diminutive of Patricia, or a burger, and just not something you call a fella.”

Here is what's going on in your area. Slàinte!

Bethel

• Bethel Flag Raising, Thursday, March 17, 2016, 9 a.m., P.T. Barnum Square, Bethel

Danbury

• Friday, March 17: Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Church, Main Street in Danbury with Father Jeff Couture.
• Friday, March 17: Irish flag raising at Danbury City Hall, 12 p.m.
• Friday, March 17: The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC), 6 Lake Ave., Danbury, starts serving corned beef, cabbage and beer. Steve O'Tree will play traditional Irish favorites.

• Sunday, March 19, 2:30 p.m.: Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at Center and Main Street, Danbury in front of St. Peter Church. Parade starts in front of St. Peter Church, turns left onto West St. and continues up Lake Ave., ending at The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center,(GDICC) 6 Lake Ave., Danbury.
• Sunday, March 19: Irish food, dance and music at The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center,(GDICC) 6 Lake Ave., Danbury. 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.

New Fairfield

• Saturday, March 11 at 9 a.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Mass will be held at St. Edwards Church.
• Saturday, March 11: Immediately following St. Edwards Mass, the New Fairfield Parade from the church to the flag pole will take place for the flag raising. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

Ridgefield

• Friday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day party at Tigers' Den, 23 Catoonah St., Ridgefield. Children and families are invited to come out for face painting, Irish dancers from Throne Academy of Irish Dance and Irish, music from Poprox Productions. Corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, Guinness, Harp and more!

Am I missing a parade or St. Patrick's Day event in the Danbury area? Email me at wendyannmitchell@live.com and I will add it.

Photo credits: Wendy Mitchell