Killarney Guide

Bubbleman, Sleepy the Clown, green ice cream and wild Irish dancing

BY KIM LANGEN

It’s always a hoot for the kids, and now the adults will have a cracking good time too at St. Paddy’s in Killarney.

The popular spring event is coming up soon, on Saturday, March 18, at the Shamrock Centre, and organizer of the massive event, April Archambault, says it will be amazing.

“It’s going to be a happening place,” said Archambault, recreation director at the Shamrock Centre. “I’m excited to have it again. We had it last year, and the shift now is away from being just for kids. It’s for all ages. It’s a community celebration, and there really is something for everyone.”

The McConnel Irish Dance group will be returning from the big smoke with a pounding vengeance, presenting two shows (2 p.m. and 3 p.m.) to delight the crowd.

“They will also have audience participation as part of the show, like they did last year,” she said. “People loved them.”

Hot new ticket this year is Karlheinz The BubbleMan, who will be blowing the minds of both young and old during his stage show at 1 p.m.

“He does everything bubble, and the show is for all ages,” said Archambault. “He places people INSIDE of giant bubbles. You can be surrounded by the bubble. It’s pretty incredible, and everyone will love it.”

Also new this year is Sleepy the Clown, who will be coolly cruising the party scene and creating some amazing balloon animals, and other surprising creations. 

And there is a new vendor market, which will be set up in the entrance foyer, and feature around 10 local and home-based businesses and their wares.

“Because there are so many people, it’s a good chance for our local vendors to showcase their work and their products,” said Archambault. 

Fans of LEGO will also have a colourful constructive ball at St. Pat’s. 

“We have Brick Adventures Interactive Play coming from Winnipeg, from noon to 3 p.m.,” she said. “They will be bringing all kinds of Lego, of all sizes and shapes, and will be building things with the kids, and the adults. It’s for all ages – for everyone who loves Lego.”

Lakeland Regional Library will once again be offering their ‘Storywalk’ adventure, for kids who like to unravel a mystery.

“The library team will be doing a St. Pat’s themed Storywalk, which takes place throughout the building,” said Archambault. “The kids read a story, page by page, and go through the rooms and areas to find the clues.”

St. Paddy’s in Killarney is a wonderful free event, open to all. If you like to bowl, it is just a toonie for a run at the lanes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (includes one game, and those shoes…) 

Doors open at 11 a.m. at the Shamrock Centre, and an authentic Irish Stew lunch is available for purchase from 11 a.m., made fresh in the canteen. 

Kids can enjoy a ride in a fire truck (outside), green ice cream, green cotton candy, cookie decorating, crafts, a bouncy castle, games and prizes, and everyone can have fun with the public skating, listening to the musical guests, and all of the other wonderful activities.

St. Paddy’s in Killarney is a big event, involving lots of organization, great people, and supporters, and Archambault said she wanted to thank them all in advance.

“This event would not be possible without the generous help of volunteers from the community,” she said. “We also want to give a special thanks to the community sponsors who have donated time, money, prizes and supplies to support this free community event. Thanks so much!”

And if you like the idea of joining in on the green-themed day, they are still in need of a few more helpers, she added.

“We are still short some help, and if you’d like to volunteer, please call myself, or Mandy, at (204) 523-8920.” 

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A GOLDEN RAINBOW AWAITS AT ST. PADDY’S IN KILLARNEY – Facility manager Liana Smith (left) and new recreation assistant Mandy Alexander are waiting under a golden buttered rainbow of balloons, which was created for the “Night at the Movies” ice show on Monday. They’re ready to welcome hundreds of visitors to the Shamrock Centre this Saturday for a big St. Paddy’s party. The free community event starts at 11 a.m., and runs until 4 p.m., with a mountain of wonderful things to enjoy for all ages.

IRISH DANCERS RETURN – The energized McConnell Irish Dance performers from Winnipeg are returning this year to St. Paddy’s in Killarney on Saturday, March 18. They were a major hit last year, so don’t miss them at this fab community event. Below, the bouncy castle will be back too!

FIRE TRUCK RIDES – Irish green fire trucks will be back in the Shamrock Centre parking lot during the St. Pat’s party on March 18. Get in line for a ride! And check out a full list of events and times below.

JAY STRUTH/KILLARNEY GUIDE PHOTOS

More St. Pat’s weekend events…

A number of other activities are also happening at the Shamrock Centre on the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. These include:

St. Pat’s Curling Bonspiel: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 17, 18, and 19.

St. Pat’s Crokinole Tournament: Saturday, March 18, in the upstairs lobby of the Shamrock Centre. This is a new event, organized by Tyler Shiels, for all those Crokinole fans out there. 

It’s $20 per person, and you need to make up a two-person team. Book ahead to join in, by calling Shiels at 204-523-0878; Bruce Turner at 204-523-6447; or Gord Nichol at 204-523-6402. 

St. Pat’s No Tap Bowling Tournament: Sunday, March 19.