New Albany Symphony Orchestra
MCCOY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 100 E. DUBLIN GRANVILLE ROAD, NEW ALBANY
614-323-1237, www. newalbanysymphony.net
The symphony has two shows planned for the weekend. See a sensoryfriendly concert on Saturday called "Carnival of Animals." On Sunday, the symphony will perform its annual children's concert, featuring pre-show activities. 11:30 3 p.m. $8 on Saturday; $14 to $20 Sunday
It'll be easy being green for the next two Saturdays in central Ohio. Two parades marking St. Patrick's Day have become a mainstay for revelers, regardless of whether they can claim Irish descent. Here's what you need to know to get in on the (mostly family) fun:
Dublin
Visitors to Dublin on Saturday can enjoy activities before the parade kicks off.
The celebration begins with a pancake breakfast organized by the Lions Club, followed by parade preparations that include the inflation of oversized balloons and float decorating.
More than 100 units — including floats, equestrians and marchers — will be part of the parade, which is expected to draw 20,000 spectators.
“Parades are a tradition no matter where you’re from,” said Mary Jo DiSalvo, Dublin’s events administrator. “It’s a great tradition here in Dublin.”
Highlights include Irish dancers, high-school marching bands and life-size Irish puppets.
Afterward, the public is invited to the Blarney Bash — presented by the Dublin AM Rotary— for live music, spirits and activities for children.
“It’s such a popular event in central Ohio because it’s kind of a kickoff to spring,” said Sara O’Malley, Dublin’s events specialist. “People want the fresh air; they want the sunshine on their face.”
614-410-4507, www.dublinohiousa.gov
11 a.m. at Metro Center, 555 Metro Place N., north on Frantz Road, east on Bridge Street and south on South High Street to Waterford Drive
pancake breakfast: 7 to 11 a.m., Sells Middle School, 150 W. Bridge St.; admission: $6, or $4 for 12 and younger; float and balloon preparations: 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., Graeter's Ice Cream, 6255 Frantz Road; Blarney bash: noon to 11:30 p.m., 555 Metro Place N.; admission: $8, or free for children 12 and younger
Downtown
Festivities on March 17 — St. Patrick's Day — will begin with a solemn Mass.
Afterward, the fun begins with a massive parade hosted by the Shamrock Club that ends at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Among the parade's 2,000plus participants will be city officials, high-school marching bands, representatives of local police and fire departments, bagpipe players and Irish dancers.
“All you see is green,” said Mary Grady Strickland, president of the Shamrock Club. “It is the most beautiful sight.”
The party continues at the convention center with an "Irish reunion" featuring live music, Irish-dance performances and refreshments.
The day concludes at the Shamrock Club, where guests can enjoy green beer and more music.
“It’s just a fun, fun day,” Strickland said. “It’s truly like Christmas to the Irish.”
614-491-4449, www.shamrockclubof columbus.com
9:30 a.m. March 17, St. Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Ave.
11 a.m. March 17, from Naghten Street at 4th Street North, east on Naghten, south on North Grant Street, west on East Broad Street and north on North High Street to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.
Irish family reunion: noon, Greater Columbus Convention Center; admission: $15, $8 for ages 5 to 17 and free for ages 4 and younger; after party: 4 p.m. to closing, Shamrock Club, 60 W. Castle Road; admission: $5