With more than 3000 in attendees on an overcast Sunday afternoon, The Shamrock’s sixth annual St. Patrick’s Day block party was a huge success, and as a result the Shamrock was able to donate $7,100 in proceeds to the Sarasota YMCA Youth Shelter.
The Sarasota Y’s Youth Shelter provides temporary housing and safe care for youth ages 10 to 18 who have run away, are experiencing family conflict or have been locked out of their homes and is open 24 hours a day.
“It’s our fifth year working with The Shamrock, which helps us tremendously,” says Nickie Harstock, Program Director for the YMCA Youth Shelter. “This year, the donation will make it possible to get a new van, which is essential because it helps us transport the kids both to school and their activities, all the way from Sarasota to North Port.”
Additional highlights of the daylong block party included the 20-member City of Sarasota Pipe Band marching through the alleyway and into the main tent with their bagpipes blaring and eleven other live performances from local bands, including a rocking set from Sons of Hippies after sundown.
Stephen Palladino, a Tampa-based artist, worked all afternoon to paint a 40-foot clover mural for the side of the building, which provided an ever-changing photo backdrop throughout the day. The Shamrock’s annual limerick contest, presented by TicketSarasota.com, concluded during the event as well with winner Akiko Taylor reciting her limerick and taking home a kegerator, which she and her husband, who is a homebrewer, were very excited to win.
“Everything was great,” said Derek Anderson, owner of the Shamrock and event organizer. “Last year we gave the youth shelter $5,500 so I’m really grateful this year was even bigger and better and we were able to donate more! It was rockin’!"
The Shamrock will present another St. Patty’s Day Block Party to benefit the YMCA Youth Shelter again next year.
About the Shamrock Pub
The pub for the people! Founded as Churchill’s in 1975, the Shamrock has been under new ownership since 2007, pursuing a vision for the space as a neighborhood pub first and a beer bar second. The 750-square-foot corner bar is now the spot in Sarasota for St. Patrick's Day, special beer events, live music and more, with a friendly staff of smart beer-tenders.
The Shamrock’s rotating selection of more than 100 craft beers is available by the bottle, can or draft, and they even offer specialty sodas. The focus on micro-brews was another improvement, making the 'Rock the downtown spot for a craft beer. The Shamrock is smoke-free, though the back patio is a comfortable option for smokers, and free parking is always available in the front and back of the bar.
Weekly specials include Beer Maniac Mondays, Vinyl Wednesdays, Sunday Night Karaoke and Craft Draft Happy Hour every day until 8 p.m.
The Shamrock, 2257 Ringling Blvd., open daily, 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., 952-1730 or www.facebook.com/shamrockpub and shamrocksarasota.com
