As a child, St. Patrick's Day was that time you had to go to school with a green T-shirt on lest you be pinched by your classmates. Man, getting pinched was the worst.
When you got older, and started eating veggies and food other than Lunchables, your mommy would make you corned beef and cabbage on that special day.
Now, living away from home, St. Patrick's Day might be a little less special for you. I can guarantee that I will only remember the holiday if a Facebook event prompts me. And I certainly will not be cooking myself any of the traditional dishes.
But Baltimore has a cure for that lack of St. Patrick's Day spirit.
The Canton Irish Stroll takes place on March 3 from 1 to 9 p.m. If the word "stroll," means anything to you, then envision some casual traipsing around as you find your way from bar to bar. This may be the event's 11th year, but if it's your first, don't be intimidated. Just make sure you don your green and Leprechaun hat and bring $12 and two canned goods (or $12 without cans). Drink specials are plentiful — like a pot of gold one might say — and you can stop at festive pubs like Looney's, Tavern on the Square or Claddagh Pub. And don't forget: there will be beads.
You can also hit up the Federal Hill Irish stroll the day before (March 10 from noon until 9 p.m.) if you like to party hard. More family (and sub-21 friendly) type activities could include Shamrock Shindig from noon to 2 p.m. on Phillips' Seafood Dock. Think crafts, parades and Irish-themed thing.
And for everyone who won't be throwing back the beers for St. Patty's day, consider running in the Shamrock 5K on March 11 at 1:15 p.m. It'll be the most non-alcoholic fun you'll have on weekend.
If you're into that sort of thing.
