Unless the snow makes a hasty retreat, we may not see much green this month. But the wearin’ of the green is still the theme for March, no matter what the weather.
A host of organizations have special events planned, ranging from the traditional parades to a brand-new pub crawl.
The first-ever March of the Leprechauns will be held Saturday, March 7, with stops at 10 breweries, eateries and other venues in and around downtown Riverhead. The event, which starts at 1 p.m., is hosted by Suffolk Theater and will benefit the East End Emerald Society and Maureen’s Haven. DJ Phil will provide music from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Suffolk Theater. Bracelets, which entitle wearers to special promotions and activities, are $10 and can be picked up at the theater or at participating venues. St. Patrick’s Day attire is encouraged. Call 727-4343 or visit suffolktheater.com.
The sound of bagpipes will be in the air when North Fork Chamber of Commerce presents its annual parade. The march steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in downtown Cutchogue.
On Saturday, March 28, the East End Emerald Society will host its second annual parade in Jamesport, with grand marshal Allen Smith leading the way. The procession will begin at Washington Avenue and end at the Jamesport firehouse on Manor Lane.
Irish music will be the fare at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. The fourth annual concert will feature Eamonn O’Rourke (multi-instrumentalist), John Whelan (button accordian) and Bruce Foley (singer/instrumentalist), all well-known in the traditional music world. Tickets (adults, $20; under 12, $10) are available at Southold Pharmacy, Rothman’s Department Store and Robert’s Jewelers, all in Southold, and at the door. Call 765-3442.
Several other concerts are planned for this week. John Corr and Mike McCormack will present “The History of Ireland Through Music” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Southold Free Library (765-2077) and “The Bard and the Busker” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library (registration: 734-6360). And Peconic Landing in Greenport will present “An Evening of World Class Irish Music” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the community center.
Suffolk Theater will host an Irish Rock Night featuring Chris Byrne and the Lost Tribe of Donegal Saturday, March 14. The group combines traditional and rock styles, using traditional instruments. The evening will also include Irish step dancers. Tickets are $25. Call 727-4343 or visit suffolktheater.com.
Aid to the Developmentally Disabled (ADD) will host the inaugural Shamrock Shindig on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. The night will feature comedy, Irish dancers and pipers, an Irish buffet, drinks, and private access to the aquarium. Guests will also witness the winner of the “Shark Tank Showdown” lowered into the aquarium’s 120,000-gallon Lost City tank for a nose-to-nose swim with the sharks. Entry is $65 per person. For tickets, contact Gina Mehalakes, 631-727-6220, ext. 222 or email [email protected]. All proceeds from the event will go towards ADD. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well.
Corned beef and cabbage will be on the menu at dinners hosted by local groups:
• Thursday, March 12: Polish Town Civic Association, 4:30 to 8 p.m., 300 Lincoln St., in Riverhead. Adults, $12; under 12, $8; under 3, free; tickets sold at the door (takeouts available). Call 369-1616 or 680-1289.
• Saturday, March 14: Riverhead Lions Club, 6 p.m. at Polish Hall. With step dancers and bag pipers. Adults, $20; seniors, $16; 10 and under, $12. Proceeds benefit scholarships and New Beginnings’ Brendan House. For tickets, call 764-3003 or 466-6405.
Saturday, March 14: Riverhead Moose Lodge, 6:30 p.m. at lodge. With Irish music and “other surprises.” In advance, $20; at door, $22. Call 727-6667.
Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15: East End Lions, noon to 8 p.m. at Soundview Restaurant in Greenport. Scallop dinners and children’s menu offered; takeouts available. Tickets: $20; sold at Hart’s Hardware, Robert’s Jewelers and Peconic Liquors. Proceeds benefit high school scholarships. Call 734-6742 or 734-5897.
