céad míle fáilte'

Happy St. Patrick's day! I love this holiday- it's a time where everyone joins together to celebrate Irish traditions. These traditions often include many drinks (my favorite- Tullamore Dew) parades, music, and dancing. The romance of the Irish culture lures you in and you just can say no. It's a day that everyone wants to be Irish, a day of unity.

Traditionally, I join my fellow Irish Americans at the true Hibernian Parade in Dogtown. This is the first year in 3 that I haven't, and I feel a litte sad-like I'm missing out. This parade is one of authenticity and you can feel the pride. There aren't any "fancy" floats, bead vendors, or all of the things that you get at the St. Patrick's Parade Downtown. It is simply a parade of clans, firefighters, police officers, and Irish Dancers. That is what I love about it- it's real. It really gets to the heart of what it means to be Irish American. It's about community, tradition, and celebration.

My favorite place to celebrate in Dogtown is Pat's Bar and Grill. This place is full of history and has been opened since the early 1900's. It has always owned and operated by true Irish. My family lived there for years, until I was born, and it is said that this was also one of my father's favorite haunts (I am my father's daughter). Pat's is a true Irish tavern, it the traditional sense. Nothing fancy, and full of energy. It's not one of those "faux" Irish Bars that pipe in traditional Irish Music and sell Guinness T-shirts, it's just a blue collar neighborhood pub. That's the allure, it's just an honest place. Go.

So, here's a toast to all of my friends, See you next year in Dogtown

Here's to you,
here's to me,
the best of friends we'll always be.
But if we ever disagree,
forget you here's to ME!!