Dogtown's Big Day

As cultural stereotypes go, the Irish don't have it so bad. Unlike the austere German and the haughty Frenchman, the conception of the Guinness-quaffing Irishman is at least someone with whom you want to party. But even if you have no ties to the Emerald Isle, you have the chance to celebrate like a native at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dogtown. The Ancient Order of Hibernians host the annual gala (now in its 26th year), which features floats, marching bands, Irish step-dancers and a veritable sea of green-clad revelers. The parade — and pay attention, because the route has been altered due to the Highway 40 construction — starts at 11:30 a.m. on the north side of Oakland Avenue east of Tamm avenue, and then runs south on Tamm, ending at Lloyd Avenue. Public consumption of alcohol is permitted along the parade route, but glass containers are banned and no underage drinking is allowed — many representatives of the police force will be on hand to both enforce the law and enjoy the parade. For more information, visit www.stlhibernians.org.
Tue., March 17, 2009