Students plan to party on St. Patrick's Day
Mallory Murray, Collegio Managing Editor
Issue date: 3/17/05 Section: After Hours
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"I plan on going to McCarthy's and being prompt for 'Kegs and Eggs' at 6 a.m.," said Chappell, junior in commercial graphics. "I don't really have any other plans but being at McCarthy's all day." St. Patrick's Day, today, offers a few events around town, but many students plan to go to McCarthy's. "I'm going to McCarthy's because that's where some of my friends are going," said Allison Jeffers, sophomore in business management. "Afterward, I might go to some fraternity houses." Jeffers said she was playing in a softball tournament last St. Patrick's Day. "I want this St. Patrick's Day to be more traditional than my last one," she said. Kaylee Hollinger, sophomore in fashion merchandising, said she has no plans for the day other than school. "I have to take a test, so that's not too fun," Hollinger said. Those not stuck in class all day might enjoy a festive drink, but St. Patrick's Day originally did not revolve around green beer. "There's a legend that St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland, but he probably had nothing to do with green beer," said Judith Shaw, history professor. St. Patrick was a missionary in the fifth century who is credited with "Christianizing" Ireland. He used a shamrock, a three-leaved clover, to illustrate the relationship between Christ, God and the holy spirit. The tradition of pinching those that don't wear green comes from a much more violent tradition in Ireland. In Ireland, those from Northern Ireland wear orange to show they're from the North and that they are Protestant. Those from Southern Ireland wear green to show they're from the South and that they're Catholic. "In Ireland, the day is about feasting and drinking and trying to prove that their side is better than the other," Shaw said. Shaw said that although the beer might not have been green, she is pretty sure beer was and is a part of Irish celebrations, too. Below are some of the events that are going on in Pittsburg today. McCarthy's (Third and Elm): McCarthy's opens at 6 a.m. for 'Kegs and Eggs,' an annual breakfast during which the establishment begins selling beer for the day. From noon on, McCarthy's will feature live band performances, including Monkeybullet. Dancing on the second floor will begin at 8 p.m. Patrons must be 21 or older to enter. JB's Sports Bar and Grill (516 N. Broadway): JB's will have a party in a tent in back of the bar. There will be dancing from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and the March Madness basketball tournament will be on throughout the day with a contest for those who can predict the most games. The winner will receive an autographed Wayne Simien basketball. A shamrock bikini contest will be held at midnight. Signups begin at 9 p.m. and the winner will receive $100. Every 100th person through the door will receive $50 and there will be a number of giveaways, including a trip to Las Vegas, tanning packages and gift certificates. There will also be a number of food and drink specials. "It's going to be the biggest party in the history of JB's," said Terry Wencl, co-owner of JB's. A cover charge of $5 begins at 5 p.m. Patrons must be 18 or older to enter. The Newman Center (301-A E Cleveland): The Newman Center will have its usual movie night on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. Any student is welcome to attend and there is no admission. Students are encouraged to bring snacks. |
