Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the country’s most celebrated holidays: St. Patrick’s Day. Every year on March 17, people find themselves participating in traditional events revolving around the historic Saint Patrick. Though the holiday falls during NAU’s spring break, Flagstaff will be celebrating the Irish holiday in style, despite the decreased student population.

Anna McGovern hands Elise Pagnini, a senior advertising/public relations major, a green ribbon to decorate Collins Irish Pub for St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. Collins and other bars downtown are celebrating the holiday with all-day festivities, including the famous green beers. - Bryan Kinkade/ The Lumberjack

St. Patrick’s Day is an annual celebration that honors Saint Patrick, one the patron saints of Ireland. This Irish holiday comes equipped with a parade, traditional Irish food and an excuse for the average patron to swig back a pint of Guinness. Venues downtown are all preparing in advance for the big day. 

“St. Paddy’s Day is always a lot of fun,” said Brian McClean, a senior construction management major. “It’s actually one of my favorite holidays. Celebrating the way the Irish do is the way to go.”

Flagstaff, along with many other cities around the country, will be displaying its Irish roots. Starting at 11 a.m., Collin’s irish Pub & Grill will be serving holiday-inspired Irish food all day. Corned beef and cabbage, a traditional Irish stew and pub sausage will all be a part of the pub’s St. Patrick’s Day menu. In spirit of the holiday, the pub will host a Celtic band, fully equipped with bagpipes. The bar will also be serving a variety of green beer, Guinness and Irish whiskey.

In light of the Irish holiday, the Green Room is eager to participate in traditional carousing, decorating and serving Irish food and beverages. 

“Well, we are green,” said Jeremie Dalaba, Green Room general manager. “We will be serving food all day. Corned beef cabbage, Guinness, Jameson and Bushmills along with a Celtic band, will be a part of the festivities. It’s very easy to be green at The Green Room.”

The Green Room will be celebrating with drink specials and giveaways. The venue will be kicking off the night with the Celtic band, Pure Dead Brilliant. 

Maloney’s will also rejoice in spirit with serving Jell-O shots, green beer, corned beef and cabbage and will be jamming out to off-the-radio music all day. The party at Maloney’s starts at 10 a.m.

Other venues downtown also will be commemorating the holiday in Irish style. The Knockabouts, a local Celtic band, will be rocking the walls at the Orpheum Theater.

“It’s going to be a great show,” said Jacquie McGregor, lead vocals and flute for The Knockabouts. “It’s going to be a great party atmosphere. Everybody will be ready to party, no matter what’s going on for St. Patrick’s Day. People are willing to loosen up and forget about everything else and just go out and have a good time.”

The band is thrilled about playing at the Orpheum, and they are ready to get the crowd moving to their Irish jig-inspired beats.

“St. Patrick’s Day is the day to come out, have a good time and get rowdy,” said John McGregor, vocals and Irish whistle for The Knockabouts.

The show is 21 and over and will be $8 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.