Western New York Happenings: St. Patrick's Day Events in Buffalo

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and Buffalo, NY residents are no exception. With our large Irish population, St. Patrick's Day events fill most of the month of March. Here's a look at a few of the area's bigger events.

Shamrock Run - takes place Saturday, March 6th beginning at the Old 1st Ward Community Center, 62 Republic St. (Gene McCarthy Way) in Buffalo. The Shamrock Run is an 8K (4.97 mile) race sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Registration begins at the Community Center at 9 a.m. at a cost of $25. The race begins at noon, and there are 32 race categories that will be awarded. The post-race party takes place at the Community Center and includes refreshments; non-runners can attend the party for $10. Find out more about the Shamrock Run at www.buffaloshamrockrun.com.

The 2010 "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade - takes place Saturday, March 13th at noon, starting at the Valley Community center at South Park Ave. and Elk St. Organizers expect over 60 marching units in the parade, which travels down South Park, Smith St., Elk, Hamburg St., and O'Connell Ave. Following the parade will be a traditional Irish "Hooley," from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Community Center, featuring music from "Eire Road," plus food and beverages. For more information, visit www.saintpatricksdayparade.com.

The Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade - takes place Sunday, March 14th at 2 p.m., starting near Buffalo City Hall and continuing down Delaware Ave. to North St. A pre-parade mass will be celebrated by Bishop Edward Kmiec at St. Joseph's Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.

Darcy McGee's Irish Pub - located at 257 Franklin St. in Buffalo, Darcy McGee's St. Patrick's celebration begins Sunday after the parade and features music from the Pug Mahones, Moe Porter, Southside, and Strictly Hip, plus performances by Irish dancers. On Tuesday, March 16th, Darcy McGee's presents movie night at 7 p.m., featuring The Wind that Shakes the Barley (reservations suggested - 716-853-3600). Starting Wednesday, March 17th at noon, Darcy McGee's features three hours of Irish folk music and sing-alongs with John Murdoch, while the Pug Mahones perform starting at 7 p.m. Find out more about the St. Patrick's celebration at www.darcymcgeesonline.com.