St. Patrick's Day 2013 for tweens

The Wearing of the Green for tweens

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and originally religious holiday celebrated on March 17th to honor Saint Patrick of Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades and festivals. It is often referred to as "the wearing of the green," and many people like to dress in green on that day.

There are many events in the Los Angeles area celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Since “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” everyone is welcome, but choose fests that do not center around drinking, so that you can bring your tweens.

www.golosangeles.about.com lists the major festivals.

1. South Bay St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is in Hermosa Beach on the intersection of Pier and Valley Drive, west to Hermosa Avenue and South on Hermosa to 9th Street. The free festival is at Pier Plaza, with metered street parking. It begins on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. Contact www.hbchamber.net for more information.
2. St. Patrick’s Day at L.A. Live is at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live and features live Irish rock bands and beer(you might have to watch out for the beer). This is a free event on March 17 from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact http://lalive.com/stpattys .
3. Shamrock ‘n’ Roll Aboard the Queen Mary will present three concerts aboard the ship. Located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. Cost for event is $15 in advance, $20 at door, $5 validated parking. From 7p.m. to 1 a.m. www.queenmary.com.
4. St. Paddy’s Day at One Colorado in Pasadena is on Saturday, March 16, from 3-6 p.m. Free event with Cleary Irish Dancers and Celtic music with Straw Boys, www.facebook.com/OneColoradoOldPasadena/events. St. Patrick’s Day Festival at One Colorado on March 17, 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Free. Children’s crafts, Irish dancers and live music.
5. OC Marketplace St. Patrick’s Day Festival includes Irish dancers and musicians at the weekly swap meet. Orange County Fairgrounds, FWY 55 and Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. $2 admission; children under 12 free. General parking free, priority parking fee. www.ocmarketplace.com .
6. The Makem and Spain Brothers at Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m. 6200 Atherton Street, Long Beach 90815. $25; check Goldstar for discount tickets. Paid parking. www.carpenterarts.org.

www.losangeles.cbslocal.com lists many of the same festivals, but also includes St, Patrick’s Day At The Farmer’s Market at 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles. A free event, you can call for information (323-933-9211), Geared for families, this celebration includes food, drinks and activities at The Grove off Fairfax. Corned beer and original Irish treats will be served, and each booth is priced separately.

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, and you don’t have to drink. You and your tweens can have a great time sampling Irish fare and listening to Irish and Celtic music. Irish dancing is wonderful to watch, and it may get you moving as well. Grab your kids, tell them to invite their friends, and pick a St. Paddy’s festival. You might find that lucky four-leaf clover!