The Gleam of St. Patrick’s Day Green

Alyson Chuyang|March 17, 2016

The Dublin Band goes to Ireland and Dublin hosted its 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Festival

There is no doubt that a city named Dublin will not disappoint on the holiday of the Irish. Named by settlers from the lush, green lands of Ireland, Dublin, CA has been the location for those celebrating St. Patrick’s Fair in the Tri-Valley for the past 33 years.  

On Friday, March 11th the Dublin Irish Guard headed off to Ireland for their competition for a whole week. Set to play on St. Patrick’s Day, the band students departed from San Francisco International Airport with exuberance. When they’re not exchanging performances with other schools or preparing for their St. Patrick’s Day performance, the band is set to visit famous  landmarks such as the Dublin Castle, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, Trinity College, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Malahide Castle. They were able to visit the Portmarnock Community School and exchange performances with their ensembles.

Back at home, the annual St. Patrick’s Festival opened the weekend before the celebrated holiday. Despite the rain, loyal St-Patrick’s Day celebrators showed up to the festival in droves.  

Though the weekend brought heavy rain, fair-goers didn’t let it stop them from sporting their St. Patrick’s Day attire.
Though the weekend brought heavy rain, fair-goers didn’t let it stop them from sporting their St. Patrick’s Day attire.

Saturday morning started bright and early at the Fire Station at seven o’clock with a pancake breakfast hosted by the local firemen. The parade ran down Village Parkway and Dublin Blvd at nine o’clock, and the rain was able to hold off as the colorful floats made their way past the ongoing spectators. Sponsors of the festival, including Whole Foods, 101.7 KKIQ, NBC Bay Area, and other local business, walked in the parade along, with local school bands and cheer teams dressed in green attire.

It wasn’t just the crowd that sported green, but the food as well. Many food vendors served authentic Irish dishes, as well as traditional American fair food.
It wasn’t just the crowd that sported green, but the food as well. Many food vendors served authentic Irish dishes, as well as traditional American fair food.

The festival kicked off around ten o’clock featuring an Irish band, tea village, food, dancing and more. . All day, more than a hundred local vendors sold food,   items ranging from authentic Irish celtic charms, to handcarved, outdoor decor. The McGrath Irish dancing school danced all day, and though there wasn’t a huge turnout due to the rain, their spirits were high. “The St. Patrick’s Festival is always the highlight of my year. I love showing off Irish dance, such a rare talent and seeing people clap along and enjoy the Irish music and steps,” said Dublin High senior, Katelyn Matheny, who has been participating in the St. Patrick’s day festivities for years, “I have been dancing for the past ten years, and I plan on coming home from college next year to continue this tradition.”

The band “Zoo Station” singing classic ballads for the audience in the rain. The weekend hosted many bands including “I Eyed Reilly”, “Avalon Rising”, “The Kavanaugh Brothers”, and “Rogue Rebellion”.
The band “Zoo Station” singing classic ballads for the audience in the rain. The weekend hosted many bands including “I Eyed Reilly”, “Avalon Rising”, “The Kavanaugh Brothers”, and “Rogue Rebellion”.

Despite the dreary weather, the festival attracted many first time visitors along with those for whom the St-Patrick’s Day fair is a family tradition.. “I like going to the festival every year; my kids like going for all the crafts and rides, and I like seeing all the vendors and watching my daughter dance.” said Dublin High’s teacher, Ms. McCort. Her eldest daughter danced for the second time in this years festival.

While Saturday’s events weren’t drenched in the rain, the festival was closed down early Sunday due to weather conditions.

Today is the day of the St. Patrick, so sport your green, and may your day be touched with some luck of the Irish!