St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which is the start of the work week instead of party day for many.

That won’t stop many Mahoning Valley establishments from celebrating on the actual day, but it does provide an excuse to get the party started early.

Here are a few ways for those with Irish heritage and those who are Irish for the day to get into the spirit (and safely enjoy some spirits).

SHAMROCK ON THE BLOCK

Downtown Youngstown is using the holiday to showcase its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

Melanie Clarke-Penella, special events coordinator for the City of Youngstown, said in recent years the owners of The Federal set up a tent on West Federal Street for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“Now that there’s a DORA in place, there’s no need to really do that,” she said.

“Now people can go in between Gringos, West 34, The Federal, V2. And it’s nice because the Varsity Club is having their big party as well with (the band) RDNA. So I’m moving Shamrock on the Block for the first time to Phelps Street (Gateway) and welcoming people to the DORA area.”

The area was in place for the city’s downtown tree lighting event in December, but a day with temperatures in the 20s wasn’t really conducive to testing out the concept, Clarke-Penella said. St. Patrick’s Day weekend really will be the first event where downtown visitors can take advantage of the district.

“They can come down, walk around,” Clarke-Penella said. “They’ll have special plastic cups at all the participating bars and restaurants, and you can go in between and have a nice, fun, safe time.”

Free parking will be available at the city-owned parking lot on Commerce Street.

MAHONING VALLEY ST. PATRICK DAY PARADE

One of the area’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day traditions is the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick Day Parade in Boardman.

The 47th edition will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday and run on Market Street between McClurg Road and Southwoods Place.

This year’s grand marshal is the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, who will be represented in the parade by Sister Mary McCormick, the sisters’ general superior.

“We look for people that have made contributions to the Valley and the Ursuline Sisters are celebrating 150 years of service to the Youngstown area,” parade President Casey Malone said. “They arrived here 150 years ago, and a lot of them are of Irish descent.”

Other honorees will include Michael D. McCarthy as this year’s Ockerman Award recipient and Quench Bar and Grill as the honorary Lord Mayor of Kilkenny.

Malone said the parade traditionally has between 100 and 120 units, and she expects a comparable number of participants this year.

“We keep getting a lot of last-minute additions, and it should be pretty big,” Malone said. “Last year the weather was just … oh my gosh, it was one of the most horrific years. This year it looks like we’re in for some very mild weather, in the 60s and stuff, so that usually helps. When people see what the temperature is, they come out and they’ll want to be involved.”

WARREN ST. PATRICK’S BAR CRAWL

Several downtown area Warren bars and restaurants will team up for the the first St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl.

A free shuttle will be available to transport revelers starting at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Participating locations include Bushwick, Club Michael, Darlene Lounge, Modern Methods Brewing Company, The Underground Lounge, Urban Tap and West and Main.

LAKE MILTON SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

This is the second year Lake Milton establishments will team up to celebrate the holiday.

The Paddy Wagon will be available to transport people for free from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Saturday.

The stops will include Anchor Inn, Castaway Craig’s, Grandview Tavern, Halliday’s Winery, Lake Milton Brewery, Lake Legion Post 737, Olde Dutch Inn and Prop House.

Submitted photo
This map shows the parameters of downtown Youngstown’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) and the participating locations within it that will be selling alcoholic beverages in cups designated for use in the area.