Killarney Guide

St. Paddy’s in Killarney, a party for all, on Saturday, March 19, at the Shamrock Centre

BY KIM LANGEN

With snow banks finally melting, temperatures moderating, and mask mandates lifted, people can get ready to celebrate this weekend in a very green way.

And the plan is for absolutely everyone to join the fun, says April Archambault, recreation director at the Shamrock Centre, because this Saturday, March 19, is St. Paddy’s Day in Killarney over at the rec centre.

“St. Pat’s is going to become a kind of Irish Pavilion at the Shamrock Centre, like something you would see at Winnipeg’s Folklorama – with Irish food, music, dance, activities and games, and with events for everyone,” said Archambault. “That’s my vision. St. Patrick’s is now really for all ages, and it’s for the whole family.”

Archambault said that after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, it was wonderful to be able to plan such a great and fun event. And she especially wants to include all ages in the mix.

“I think that when we started back in 2012 there was nothing for kids here on St. Patrick’s Day, but there were lots of events for adults,” she said. “This year, after the two years of pandemic closures, we thought it would be great to have something for all people to attend. At the same time, we want to honour and recognize some of the people who have helped make St. Patrick’s Day a great community event in the past.”

This list includes volunteer organizer Joanne Pettypiece, who will mark a decade of St. Pat’s celebrations this Saturday.

“St. Pat’s for Kids was her baby, and this would be her tenth year,” said Archambault. “She did a wonderful job.”

Gwen Tripp of Gwen’s Trends is sponsoring the Handi Van for seniors who want to attend the party, she added, while Beach Hut is donating green ice cream. Plus, the Shamrock Drive-In will be hauling in some popcorn to mix it all up.

“And Mr. and Mrs. Leprechaun will be back,” said Archambault. “Plus some grade 12 students from Killarney School are coming out to help.”

The event is free, and starts at 12 noon on Saturday, March 19, at the Shamrock Centre, and runs until 4 p.m. The list of events and fun activities is massive – including Irish dancers from Winnipeg, local music, singers, and fiddlers, a community arts project, bouncy castles and bowling, fire truck rides, a library ‘story walk’, cookie decorating, public skating, and even sticks and pucks (from 4 to 6 p.m.).

A ladling of Chef Becky’s Irish Stew with a Biscuit will cost you $10, and a hot dog, drink and chips is $5, added Archambault. Plus, those who join in with Funtime Pottery Painting (many have pre-booked for this) pay a fee of $10, for both children and adults.

“It’s actually half price for the pottery class,” she said. “Funtime Pottery is coming from Brandon, and the cost is normally $20 per person, but we are subsidizing half of that. The $10 price includes the clay, and firing, and painting, and she is bringing the finished items back to Killarney for the participants.”

Meanwhile, just down the hallway, running from Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20, is the annual Killarney Men’s and Ladies’ St. Pat’s Bonspiel, being held at the TLA Curling Rink.

So enjoy the chance to have a little fun, make a little noise, and celebrate the patron saint of Ireland in the best way we can – now that the world has opened up again, and spring is nigh.

AWARD-WINNING DANCERS – The McConnell Irish Dancers, from Winnipeg, will be performing this year during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Saturday, March 19 in Killarney. Above, the winning dancers taking the podium at the Canadian Open Championships back in 2019. If you like what you see, The McConnell Irish Dancers will be returning at spring break to lead some Irish Dance Workshops for kids at the Shamrock Centre, on Thursday, March 31. See the full St. Pat’s celebrations ad below.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE MALL ON ST. PAT’S – It was an Irish party at Killarney Place on St. Patrick’s Day over the noon hour as THE Band played their jigs and reels for the crowd. They played a second set from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to catch the supper crowd. THE Band was just the start of the St. Pat’s party, which really ramps up on Saturday afternoon. See the full list of St. Pat’s events below.