In which America goes Green.

They're kind of Celtic heritage crazy over here. I thought the Scottish festival last year would be a highlight of Richmond's festival year. Turns out that ain't got nothing on St. Patrick's.

The celebrations start early:

 St. David barely got a look-in, nor time in which to check out, 

before St. Patrick was already making his mark on Monument in early March. 

(I got excited at 66pence Tree in buying dollar decorations for Emily, the Celtic roommate,
in honour of her favourite festival as well as shamrock straws & button badges for us all.) 

Then there's the festivals. Plural. This weekend had Shamrock the Block, a free event in Shockoe Bottom with bands playing, habitual beer & food vendors, a wee bit of Irish dancing, some crafty stalls & a whole load of stalls selling schizzle. Bring on the green hoof.

*does however shake head at the
inflammatory Orange choice.

What impressed me most on arrival being the  

Spontaneous Costume Flashmob.

So awesome. An entire sea of green. I liked the level of creativity. Items of clothing from out of people's own regular wardrobes: sweaters, socks, dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings. Those who'd accessorised on arrival with hats or beads or newly-bought t's.
Others sporting shirts from previous years. There was maybe one person in every twenty who didn't subscribe to the colour code. 
A whole lot to look over & take in! I was glad I'd added my shiny sequinned shamrock hairpiece ~ a wee themed gift from Sue.

DASCH IN A HAT.

And as for the visiting dogs, 

Oh my.

They had 

a section of stalls all to themselves 

with biscuits 

& bedding & treats galore.

The word was out for rain but we got lucky with plenty of sun instead.

Enjoy responsibly.
And so responsibly, not even a drop!

  

Sunday itself - & that's Paddy, not Patty*  - 

 we enjoyed some Manly Man-made Irish coffee apiece.

*C'mon America, for once you get to legitimately keep your double d!

Sláinte!

Ah, would you look at that grin?!
(In top-layer green today. Much improved.)

Best food on this plate?  The soda bread. WIN.

Back at the apartment, my Celtic roomie had her mom visiting from MI 

& cooking up an Irish feast for us all. 

(Don't you love how festivals are generally
three-quarters all about the food?) 

 Then next weekend, the theme continues with the Church Hill Irish Festival, "traditionally held the weekend after St. Patrick's Day", there's the Parade, music, harpists playing in St. John's Church, dancing, drinking...  More craic yet to come!