St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco
by Karen Solomon



San Francisco isn't known as a large Irish city these days, as its influence from the Mexican and various Asian populations give the city its unique flavor for most of the year. However, numerous Bay Area-wide cultural groups and dozens of popular Irish pub and restaurant owners unite to make St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco a holiday of Irish pride and pub crawls to make any other city green with envy.

Guinness and Harp Beers aren't hard to come by during the week of March 17th, but a St. Patty's celebration wouldn't be complete without the annual parade and street fair, which will be held March 14. Tens of thousands of folks gather every year to take in the tri-colored flags, traditional music, Celtic dancers, political activists, baton twirlers and marching bands.

The spirit of the Emerald Isle's most famous saint will really be with us this year, as San Francisco is lucky enough to host Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who is attending the ceremonies during this, the 147th year of the St. Patrick's Day parade tradition.

Kicking off at Market Street and Second, the gala will travel towards City Hall and flow into a tremendous block party. Irish food, traditional dancing, and music by Celtic Scandal will keep everyone's feet moving as fast and as furiously as the Lord of the Dance. And, of course, beer will be available.

The Celtic Music and Arts Festival, which recently took place in San Francisco, offered two full days of traditional music, dance and spoken-word performances. Not only that, but the Celtic marketplace of crafts, arts, foods, and beverages was better than ever. Other theater performances and Irish author engagements are scheduled throughout the end of the month.

From corned beef and cabbage to a properly-poured pint, there is no shortage of places to imbibe some Irish goodies. Though by no means complete, here are a few highlights:

The Starry Plough in Berkeley (3101 Shattuck Ave, (510) 841-2082) promises a whole day of music and dancing with local band The Thistlepricks, complete with bagpipes and free corned beef and cabbage for everyone. Green beer, cocktail specials, and an early, 11:00 a.m. opening time spell out the festivities to take place at Molly Malone's Dublin Pub (1849 Lincoln Way, (415) 681-3820). And the popular Haight hangout, Mad Dog In the Fog (530 Haight St., (415) 626-7279), will be watching a soccer game in the evening and serving up pints of Harp for only $2.50.

With so many great activities to choose during this city-wide celebration, tourists and locals will have shamrocks in their eyes, even if it's only for one day.