Happy to be Irish today by LindaB.

In preparation for St. Patrick's Day on March 17th, Absolute Michigan has assembled some of the premiere events happening around the state. If you know of any we missed or would like to add a related event, pub crawl, feast, party etc. please do so in the comments below. Slainté!

St. Patrick's Day Fast Facts: Beyond the Blarney - National Geographic News
St. Patrick's Day marks the Roman Catholic feast day for Ireland's patron saint, who died in the 5th century. St. Patrick (Patricius in Latin) was not born in Ireland, but in Britain.

Many myths surround St. Patrick. One of the best known—and most inaccurate—is that Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland into the Irish Sea, where the serpents drowned. (Some still say that is why the sea is so rough.) But snakes have never been native to the Emerald Isle. The serpents were likely a metaphor for druidic religions, which steadily disappeared from Ireland in the centuries after St. Patrick planted the seeds of Christianity on the island.

In the United States, it's customary to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. But in Ireland the color was long considered to be unlucky.

The Festivities
Grand Ledge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 13 & 14, 2009 at 2:00pm
Come see The Goderich Drum & Bagpipe Band, The Glen Erin Bagpipe Band, floats, Queens Court and much more.

Muskegon St. Patricks' Party
March 13 & 14, 2009
Live music featuring Craic Wisely (6pm to midnight) & Heinzman Irish dancers, McGoverns Famous Corned Beef Sandwiches & Potato Soup, Guinness, Irish Cream and full bar!

Saugatuck St Patrick's Day Festival 2009
Saturday March 14th, 2009 at 2:00 pm.
5th Annual Parade 2:00 pm. Sponsored by Saugatuck/Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau. For further information call (269) 857-1701

Traverse City Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2009
Saturday March 14th 1pm
Starts at North Peak Brewing Co. Traverse City. Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bun Brady Division. For more info contact bunbrady@gmail.com or call 248.850.5161. The Wild Sully's and Song of the Lakes perform!

Clare Saint Patricks Day Parade 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009 Noon.
Parade route: Wilcox to 3rd Street (Line Up begins at 10am). The Corner of Wilcox & McEwan will be closed to traffic. The 34th Annual Irish Festival Activities start on March 11 and provide fun for the whole family. Enjoy Irish food and drink galore!

Kalamazoo 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 14, 2009.
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of Michigan and Burdick Streets, traveling south down Burdick to Cedar Street, turning right on Cedar St and ending at the Knights of Columbus Hall where corned beef and cabbage will be served.

Detroit Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009 step off at 2:00 P.M
The Parade route is along Michigan Avenue in the area known as "Corktown", so designated for its history as home to many early arriving immigrants from Ireland and specifically, County Cork. The Parade covers a dozen or so blocks and passes historic Tiger Stadium and the Gaelic League/Irish American Club.

Flint Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 11am - 11 pm
Irish Dancing, Food and a whole lotta fun! Visit the website for more details about the celebration!

Bay City St Patricks Day Parade 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
The parade starts at Center and Park Avenues and disbands at Center and Water Streets. Marching bands, pipe bands, and floats will march down the street led by the 2009 Parade Marshal, Mrs. Helen Salois.

Enjoy some scenes from St. Patrick's Day Parade Detroit 2008!