Irish in Utah: St. Patrick's Day Events in Salt Lake City

Four-leaf clovers. Kissing the Blarney Stone. Leprechauns. Corned beef and cabbage...and, dare I say it, Guinness. Utah isn't typically known for it's Irish celebrations, but each year Irish-Catholic tradition comes to life thanks to the Hibernian Society of Utah. This Irish preservation society sponsors a host of St. Patrick's Day events, beginning with the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Commencing at 10 a.m., this annual parade featuring pipe bands, floats, and Irish step-dancers spreads the luck o'the Irish for seven blocks (from South Temple & 400 West through the Gateway Plaza). Post-parade, catch the siamsa (party) at the Holy Trinity Church at 279 South 300 West. At this kid-friendly St. Patty's Day celebration, party-goers can enjoy Celtic music, step-dancing, corned beef and cabbage, and other Irish favorites.

The Hibernian Society sponsors other events throughout "Irish Week" such as an evening with Irish Poets and the Hibernian Grand Ball. For information about these events, call (801) 463-7849. Other St. Patrick's Day events happening in the local area include:

Saturday, March 14, 2009:

Annual Leprechaun Lope, sponsored by Our Lady of Lourdes School, Salt Lake City. This 5K race in honor of St. Patrick begins at 8:30 a.m. at the state capitol building and ends at Memory Grove. Registration fees: $20 before March 2, $25 March 2-14. Proceeds from registration fees benefit the Our Lady of Lourdes School Scholarship Program.

St. Patrick's Day Bagpipe Concert by the Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band at the Highland High School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call (801) 913-2201 for more information.

Kid Time at Covey Center for the Arts: fun St. Patty's Day arts, crafts, games, and stories for kids ages 3-12. 425 West Center Street, Provo. 1p.m.-2 p.m. Admission $3.

Celtic Concertat Peery's Egyptian Theater in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Featuring the Celtic band Shanahy and the award-winning Irish Step-Dance team, Celtic Beat. The Galloway Highlanders will also perform a haunting mix of bagpipes and drums. 2415 Washington Boulevard, Ogden. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12. (801) 395-3227.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009:

Highland Bagpipes: A free St. Patrick's Day demo by the Utah Pipe Band at the Gallivan Center, 239 South Main Street Salt. 6:30 pm-8:00 p.m. Free admission. Call (801) 535-6110 for more information.

St. Patrick Day Concert: Enjoy an evening of Celtic music with harpist Cynthia Douglass and other Irish musicians at the SLCC Grand Theater, 1575 South State Street. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 adult, $12 seniors, $10 students. Call (801) 957-3322 for more information.

What's St. Patrick's Day celebration without a little Irish jig? Learn how at the Crawford School of Irish Dance, 2712 South 300 East, Salt Lake City. Call (801)508-7933 for dates and times.