A LUCKY DAY IN WASHMO

​As stores stock their shelves with corned beef and cabbage, communities prepare floats for lively parades and rivers turn green, Washington had its own sea of green Saturday, March 5th in an early celebration for St. Patrick’s Day.

From Front Street up to Main and over to 5th, parties of people were seen in matching green shirts, with green wigs, beads, hats, and other fun St. Paddy’s Day attire during the Young Professionals Fake Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl. 

Participants were given a green shirt which gave them access to special discounts at all 13 participating bars and restaurants in Washington. Groups packed the participating establishments full to kick off celebrations for the Irish holiday. Specials on drinks and food ran from 2-8 p.m. including a variety of green beers and local Rueben’s, Corned Beef and Cabbage and other Irish themed classics.

This is the fifth year that Washington has taken a weekend to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early, making it a tradition that’s hard to pass up in the beginning of March. While the drink and food specials bring all age groups together for this event, the familiar faces, cheerful conversations, and opportunity to meet new friends is nothing new the Fake Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl or the Young Professionals group.

​As a Young Professional member, myself, one of my favorite parts of being involved in the community of Washington is knowing that even if I don’t know anyone when I go to an event, by the end of it, I feel like I met the people I want to hang out at the next one. This year, the Pub Crawl brought out more than just my co-workers and friends. There were new faces and old alike, all taking the time to not only celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but also celebrate the opportunity to be together. While there never seems to be a shortage of opportunities in Washington to gather together, the Pub Crawl is a great reminder to take some time to enjoy all Washington has to offer —including groups like the Young Professionals.