Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day that commemorates Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
This day is celebrated in more parts of the world than any other national festival, and Hayes is no exception. Every year, Hayes transforms into a hub of Irish culture and heritage, offering a variety of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests.
This blog post aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Hayes in 2024.
From parades and events to food and drinks, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Events and Parades
Hayes offers a plethora of events and parades to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Here’s a table summarizing some of the key events you might want to add to your itinerary:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Main Street, Hayes | March 17, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
| Irish Music Festival | Hayes Park | March 16-17, 2024 | All Day |
| Family Fun Fair | Hayes Community Center | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Irish Dance Performance | Hayes Theatre | March 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Run | Hayes Sports Complex | March 16, 2024 | 8:00 AM |
Details of Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight of the celebration in Hayes. It starts at 10:00 AM on Main Street and features a variety of floats, marching bands, and community groups dressed in green, showcasing Irish pride. The parade route is lined with spectators cheering and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Irish Music Festival
The Irish Music Festival takes place in Hayes Park over two days, from March 16 to 17. It features performances by local and international Irish music bands. The festival offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Family Fun Fair
The Family Fun Fair is held at the Hayes Community Center on March 17, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It offers a range of activities for families, including games, rides, face painting, and food stalls. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon with your family.
Irish Dance Performance
The Irish Dance Performance at Hayes Theatre starts at 7:00 PM on March 17. It showcases traditional Irish dances performed by local dance troupes. The energy and rhythm of the dances are sure to captivate the audience.
St. Patrick’s Day Run
The St. Patrick’s Day Run takes place at Hayes Sports Complex at 8:00 AM on March 16. Participants can choose to run or walk the course, and everyone is encouraged to wear green. It’s a fun and healthy way to start the day’s celebrations.
Specific Places to Visit
- Hayes Park: The venue for the Irish Music Festival, it’s a great place to enjoy music and the outdoors.
- Hayes Community Center: The location for the Family Fun Fair, offers a variety of family-friendly activities.
- Hayes Theatre: Don’t miss the Irish Dance Performance here.
- Hayes Sports Complex: Join the St. Patrick’s Day Run for a fun and active start to the day.
Routes to Take
- Main Street: The route of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it’s the best place to experience the festive atmosphere.
- Park Avenue: This route takes you to Hayes Park, the venue for the Irish Music Festival.
- Community Drive: This leads to the Hayes Community Center, where the Family Fun Fair is held.
- Theatre Road: Follow this route to reach Hayes Theatre for the Irish Dance Performance.
- Sports Lane: This leads to Hayes Sports Complex, the starting point of the St. Patrick’s Day Run.
Restaurants and Pubs
- The Irish Pub: Known for its traditional Irish food and drinks.
- Hayes Diner: Offers a special St. Patrick’s Day menu.
- Green Tavern: Famous for its green beer on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Shamrock Café: A family-friendly restaurant with a festive atmosphere.
Entertainment
Apart from the events and parades, there are many other entertainment options in Hayes. Local pubs and restaurants often have live music and dance performances. There are also street performers and buskers adding to the festive atmosphere. Many local shops and businesses participate in the celebration, offering special deals and discounts.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Hayes
- Wear Green: It’s a tradition to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. The more green, the better!
- Arrive Early: The events and parades can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot.
- Use Public Transport: Parking can be difficult on the day, so consider using public transport.
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Run.
- Respect the Community: Remember to respect the local community and clean up after yourself.
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parade: Participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a must-do. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
- Attend the Irish Music Festival: Enjoy a day of traditional and contemporary Irish music at Hayes Park.
- Visit the Family Fun Fair: Spend an afternoon at the Family Fun Fair at the Hayes Community Center. It’s perfect for families with children.
- Watch the Irish Dance Performance: Experience the energy and rhythm of traditional Irish dances at the Hayes Theatre.
- Participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Run: Start your day with a fun and healthy run at the Hayes Sports Complex.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish that’s a staple at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Irish Stew: A hearty and comforting dish made with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Soda Bread: A type of quick bread that’s often served with meals.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake.
- Irish Breakfast: A hearty breakfast that includes sausage, bacon, eggs, and black and white pudding.
Drinks
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Guinness: A popular Irish dry stout that’s often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Whiskey: Try some of the local Irish whiskeys.
- Baileys Irish Cream: A cream-based liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream.
- Green Beer: A St. Patrick’s Day staple, beer dyed green for the occasion.
Other Details
Remember to check the official websites or contact the organizers for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the events. Also, keep in mind that St. Patrick’s Day is a popular celebration, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations and tickets in advance.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Hayes offers a variety of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone. From parades and music festivals to traditional food and drinks, Hayes provides a unique and memorable way to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. So wear your best green outfit, join the festivities, and have a fantastic Saint Patrick’s Day!
FAQs
- When is Saint Patrick’s Day?
- Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th every year.
- What is the significance of wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day?
- Wearing green is a tradition that is thought to bring good luck. The color green also represents Ireland, also known as the “Emerald Isle”.
- What is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a festive event where community groups and organizations march down the street, often dressed in green and celebrating Irish culture.
- What kind of food is traditionally eaten on Saint Patrick’s Day?
- Traditional Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread are often eaten on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- What events are happening in Hayes for Saint Patrick’s Day in 2024?
- There are many events happening in Hayes for Saint Patrick’s Day in 2024, including a parade, a music festival, a family fun fair, an Irish dance performance, and a St. Patrick’s Day run.