Partying it up for St. Patrick's Day

The South Florida Irish Community's traditional Celtic celebration at the 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables was a lot of fun on Saturday.
 

We saw a lot of Grovites enjoying the green beer and corned beef and cabbage. We even managed to share a table and not get into a fist fight!

I've driven by the park so many times, not realizing how large it is, just perfect for an event like this.

There was someone performing Irish songs and music on the stage at all times. 

The St. Andrews Pipe Band was probably the most popular entertainers. About 25 or 30 of them started by marching out to the bagpipe music and then in front of the stage, in a semi-circle, they performed Irish songs and then three All-American songs like "God Bless America" and "You're a Grand Old Flag."

The kids all enjoyed the ride and games and big tents kept people out of the sun as they ate. There was plenty of seating and chairs outside the tents and we sat on the side of the stage under big pine trees for what must have been an hour, just enjoying the music and atmosphere. It was pleasant with a nice breeze in the shade.

There is a large St. Patrick's Day Party in Brickell this weekend. If you missed the Gables Saturday, you may want to try Brickell on Sunday.