Time for a proper St. Paddy’s

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This article was published 17/03/2023 (948 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local restaurants and bars are getting ready to welcome back St. Patrick’s Day crowds in full force this year after two years of milder celebrations.

All COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Manitoba on March 15, 2022, but that didn’t mean everyone was ready to get back to celebrating.

“I think after a year out, a lot more people are a lot more comfortable coming out because they’ve had a year to do it,” Peter Shelley, general manager at the King’s Head Pub, said.

When thinking about the last three years, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic was something they couldn’t plan for, he said.

“You kind of just roll with the punches,” Shelley said. “Unfortunately, some decisions were very tight on our industry, and I know a lot of friends that have suffered and have had to close down.”

The Thirsty Lion Tavern has been preparing for these celebrations by booking performers months in advance and starting to decorate their two locations.

“We’re excited because we haven’t had a full-blown party,” marketing director Kim Tan said. “It’s important because aside from the celebration, we’re also promoting the local community and local staff.”

Tan said she knows dealing with the ups and downs of COVID-19 restrictions was hard.

“It was difficult to accommodate the tradition of celebrating St. Patty’s Day,” she said.

Visitors at the Thirsty Lion can expect dancing leprechaun performers, a pipe band and Guinness giveaways throughout the celebration. They will also be offering a special St. Patrick’s Day food and drink menu.

“It’s going to be a huge event,” Tan said. “We’re very big on St. Patty’s Day.”

St. Patrick’s Day is the busiest night on the calendar at Fionn MacCool’s, Patrick Hart — bar manager at the Grant Park location — said.

“In my experience, Winnipeggers love celebrating, and that’s generally a day where people go a little extra as far as celebrations,” Hart said.

Hart said it’s hard to know what to prepare for because Fionn MacCool’s hasn’t had a full celebration in a few years.

Other than making sure the stock is ready for today’s crowds, staff members are making sure the decorations are just right and everyone is in the spirit.

“It’s a very stressful evening for all involved, but we all have a good time,” Hart said. “Everybody makes money, and guests leave happy.”

Reservations are coming in fast and furious at the King’s Head, Shelley said.

“It’s one of our favourite things, to bring people together, especially in Winnipeg, and make sure everyone has a good time and enjoyable time,” he said. “I think everyone needs to after what we’ve gone through.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca