St. Patrick's Day Events & Parades in Tucson, Arizona

1. Four Schillings Short at La Cocina
Location: La Cocina at Old Town Artisans-201 N. Court Avenue
When: Friday, February 11, 2011
Time: 7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
Telephone number: 650-274-1100
Fee: A donation is requested
A husband/wife duo perform Celtic, Folk and World music. For more information call, or email: fourshillingsshort@gmail.com

2. Great Guinness Toast
Location: Hotel Congress-311 E. Congress Street
When: Friday: February 18, 2011
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Telephone number: 622-8848
Fee: $10.00 cover charge
Irish rock music will be performed by the Keltic Cowboys and Dusty Buskers. There will be a Mr. & Ms. Redhead Tucson contest.

3. Tucson Irish Community Singing Session
Location: private home in the Campbell & Prince area
When: Saturday, February 19, 2011
Time: 7:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
Sing, bring an instrument, or just listen. For more information contact Aine at: aine@tucsonirishcommunity.com

4. The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Location: Beowulf Alley Theater-11 S. 6th Avenue
When: February 24, 2011-March 13, 2011
Time: Thursday-Saturday-7:30 P.M.; Sunday-2:30 P.M.
Telephone number: 622-4460
Admission Fee: Regular-$23.00; Thrifty Thursdays-$18.00; Students, Military & Seniors-$12.00; Preview-$15.00
Website: www.beowulfalley.org
A play about a young woman and her manipulative, aging mother. Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (882-0555), or at the door.

5. Irish Cook Off
Location: Maynards Market Patio-400 N. Toole at the Historic Train Depot
When: Sunday, March 6, 2011
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Fee: $10.00 cover charge
Categories include: Irish stew, corned beef, soda bread and Irish themed desserts. There will be music, dancing and other entertainment. For participation information contact Gina Compitello at: 622-8848, or at

6. 24^th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival
Location: Armory Park-220 S. 5^th Avenue
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Live Irish music, dancers, entertainment, a children's game area, food and merchandise vendors. Irish organization, ethnic and cultural tables will be set up. Food donations for the Community Food Bank will be accepted during the Festival.

7. The Second Annual Running with the Irish "Green Isle Mile"
Location: Starts at the Tucson Children's Museum-200 S. 6^th Avenue
When: Saturday: March 12, 2011
Time: 5:25 P.M.
Fee: A non-perishable food item and $20.00-ages 17 and under, $25.00-ages 18 and over.
This one-mile run through downtown Tucson is the kick-off to the St. Patrick's Day Parade below. Participants are encouraged to wear green. Registration can be done online at: www.taggrun.com . Pre-register by March 5, 2011 to receive a free t-shirt. Registration can also be done at the Museum at 5:15 P.M.-before the run starts. A non-perishable food item must be given with the registration fee. $50.00, $75.00 & $100.00 prizes will be given to the top three runners and prizes will also be given to the top three in each age group. Participants ages 21 and over receive a $1.00 coupon for a beer at the Festival.

8. 24^th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Location: Starts at 14^th & Stone Avenue, goes through downtown-Congress, Broadway & 6^th Street, ending at Armory Park (220 S. 5^th Avenue)
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 5:30 P.M.
This year's parade theme is "Everyday Heroes," which will center on local, national and world personalities, that have made a positive difference in life. The Honorary Grand Marshal will be Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who helped the Indians and died 300 years ago. The parade features over 1,000 marchers, including floats, military units, local dignitaries, media and entertainment personalities and civic, cultural and social groups. Food donations for the Community Food Bank will be accepted during the Parade.

Sources:
www.tucsonirishcommunity.com (2011)
www.tucsonstpatricksday.com (January, 5,2011)