"Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day." Frank Funn's St. Patty's Day philosophy is pretty accurate, March 17 has become an all-inclusive reason to celebrate. But what he's celebrating on Saturday is slightly different. Sure, he'll be dressed in green...and maybe shamrocks too, but he'll also be celebrating the well-worn 125-year-old Saint Patrick's Church. For the fifth year running the church's restoration society will march through the north end, spreading good, green cheer with enthusiastic members of the community and various charities before leading the troupes and tag alongs back to the piece of Halifax, and Brunswick Street, history for a festive shepherd's pie lunch ($10, with all proceeds supporting the church's restoration work) where the merriment continues with Irish music, a silent auction and trophies for the best float, best Irish costume, best car and best group in the parade. For Funn, and his cronies, St. Patty's will be all about keeping tradition alive and thriving. Irish our not, here's a chance to celebrate not only the rowdiest holiday there is, but a piece of our city's history, too. The parade kicks off at 11:30am (and travels from the Hyrdostone up Agricola to Cornwallis to Brunswick). If you're interested in joining the pack call 429-4170. –Allison Saunders
Saturday March 17, 11:30am, see route above, lunch to follow at Saint Patrick's Church, 2263 Brunswick Street