Feeling Lucky? San Francisco celebrates St. Patrick's Day
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Monday marks St. Patrick's Day and to help celebrate the occasion, multiple events took place across San Francisco.
The first family-friendly event showcasing Irish traditions was held at the United Irish Cultural Center (UICC) at 45th Avenue and Wawona Street.
UICC, which is a nonprofit organization, had three different stages set up for the occasion, with two on the inside and one outside.
Monday is the final day of their three-day celebration, following a post-parade party on Saturday and a Green Festival on Sunday.
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Liam Reidy, president of UICC, says they've got something for people of all ages on Monday.
"People really want to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day, they're not just Irish or Irish Americans, we have all kinds of people living in the community, we throw open the doors and it's a wonderful chance for them to come in and experience Irish music, Irish food and of course Irish dancing and we'll have the pipers later on this afternoon," Reidy said.
The sweet sounds of a lone bagpiper echoed through San Francisco's Financial District as festivities took center stage.
"This is your second party?" asked ABC7 News reporter J.R. Stone to a mother and daughter dressed in green outfits.
"Third party! We were at Sláinte in Oakland yesterday," replied Jeanette and Samantha Wolfe.
But this one was likely a bit more memorable, and that's not just because there was plenty of green hair to go around.
I mean one minute on Monday afternoon there were large crowds outside sitting down, the next empty picnic tables as everyone huddled under umbrellas, and packed into nearby establishments.
"The Irish never get a break!" said one man.
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"It doesn't phase you at all?" asked Stone to another.
"No, I mean maybe a little bit," said one woman who had wet hair from all the rain.
But with green beer and green shots, comes what some call 'liquid courage' in the battle against the weather.
"They're good! They're very strong you know. They make me feel lucky," said a woman by the name of Nissa.
"I don't think I've had a green beer since I was like 20, so maybe!" said Samantha Wolfe.
"Will you be having any of this green beer that I see people drinking?" asked Stone to a senior there with her daughter.
"I've never had any. I'd rather have water than liquor," replied Nadine Patrick Hobson.
The afternoon crowd was treated to Irish stepdancing.
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And dressed up dogs, one of whom is named "Monster Man."
"I like the color of the green that is my birthstone. I like music and I like the bagpipes. That's what I really like. I like the dancing. I like it all!" said Ron Divino.
"I like to call her the 'Queen of the Leprechauns,' so she really channeled that today, the leprechaun queen!" said Samantha Wolfe referring to her mother.
The evening crowd, got a treasure chest full of fun music when the rain stopped.
"There's always a rainbow after the rain," said one party-goer.
"And maybe a pot of gold too!" said Stone.
"Yes!"
