By Anders Giesbrecht

The Projector files

This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday. That means you don’t have to worry about writing an exam in the morning, or handing in any of the many projects your instructors decided to drop on you in the twilight of the semester.

For some students, St. Patrick’s Day can’t come soon enough.

Eva Hanson is studying Early Childhood Education at RRC and she’s just one of many students looking forward to the celebrations. “I can’t wait to dress up with green leis, hats, glasses and go out with friends,” said Hanson.

Cole Alexander, a Civil Engineering Technology student, has something else green on his mind. “I’m looking forward to being able to unwind, relax and drink some green beers,” said Alexander.

Don’t know where to go on March 17? We’ve got you covered. Here are The Projector’s top five places to spend St. Patrick’s Day.

The King’s Head Pub and Eatery
The British-themed pub seems like an obvious place to spend the night. This year, Dust Rhinos will be playing their Irish-Canadian Celtic punk all night, starting at 6p.m.

Signature Irish menu items such as beef and Guinness stew, potato and leek soup, patty melts, and Irish whiskey will be on five dollar special.

Celebrations officially kick-off at 6 p.m. with last call at 2 a.m.

2. Shannon’s Irish Pub & Eatery
You can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend at Shannon’s. On Friday, catch local blues act B’man and the Buzz. On Saturday, expect Irish dancers to take the stage during the day, along with performances by Irish folk duo MacTague & MacAnallen, Dale Brown, and Five More Miles. The bar will be serving drink specials all weekend, including seven dollar Guinnesses on Friday.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick-off at 12 p.m. Saturday and end at 2 a.m.

3. The Canadian Brewhouse
This new establishment at 1715 Kenaston Blvd. will have bagpipers playing in the afternoon and evening, drink specials, green beer — and a draw for a $5,000 trip to Ireland.
“People can enter by just showing up at Canadian Brewhouse and filling out a ballot anytime during the week before St. Patrick’s Day or the day of,” said assistant general manager, Peter Kelly. “It’s usually pretty packed. Last year, the person who won entered the contest on St. Patrick’s Day.”

4. Irish Association of Manitoba
No better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with the Irish Association itself. At 11 a.m. the Association hosts an Inter-faith church service. After the service, Irish acts such as Celtic Way, McDonnell Dancers, and The Thistle Time Show Band will perform throughout the day. While you’re enjoying the entertainment you can also enjoy Irish food like bangers in a bun, stew & soda bread, colcannon and ribs, and potato soup in a bread bowl, which will all be available for purchase.

5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
If you are looking for a fun and free way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day look no further than the annual parade hosted by the Irish Association. You can go to Association at 654 Erin St. as early as 12:30 on Sunday, March 18, but if that doesn’t sound appealing after a night of green beers, don’t worry, the parade doesn’t leave until 2:30 p.m. Join the march down Portage and back to the Irish Association for more food and drinks.

Parade starts at 2:30 p.m.