Best Family-Friendly Activities In Detroit For St. Patrick's Day 2014
Each year, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated across the globe and it is no different here in Detroit. There are parades, races and even a mother/son dance to head to. So pull out the green and get ready to celebrate St. Pat!
Detroit St. Patrick's Parade
2068 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 475-4675
www.detroitstpatricksparade.com
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 12 p.m.
For the past 56 years, the streets of Detroit have come alive each St. Patrick's Day with a parade, and this year, it is bigger and better than ever. There will be marching units from a variety of organizations, clowns, color guards, bagpipe and drum bands and much, much more. Starting off at noon from Michigan Avenue and 6th Street, this promises to be the best parade yet and with the theme of "THE DETROIT IRISH: PROUD, LOYAL & DEVOTED TO THE "D"," how can it be anything but great?
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Michigan Central Station
Michigan Ave. and Vernor Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
www.corktownrace.comDate: March 17, 2014 at 10 a.m.If having some family fun involves going for a run, then get your shoes on and head down for the 32nd Annual Cork Town Races, part of the Detroit St. Patrick's Day celebration. Te race has turned into a major run in the state, attracting upwards of 8,000 participants. Even more than being a run, proceeds from the race are donated to the St. Patrick's Senior Center and the Community Health and Social Services Center. There are three runs taking place, the Kid's Quarter Mile which will lead off the day at 9:30 a.m., the Dublin Dash Mile, beginning at 9:40 a.m., and The Cork Town Race, which begins at 10 a.m. All finishers are given medals and the top three male and female runners will receive prizes autographed by members of the Detroit Pistons basketball team. This is a fun day for hardcore runners or those who would just like to walk along and is an event that should not be missed.
Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade
Village of Pinckney
220 S. Howell
Pinckney, MI 48169
(734) 878-6206
www.villageofpinckney.org
Date: March 15, 2014 at 12 p.m.
If you are looking to take part in a St. Patrick's Day parade that is a bit more quaint and in a much smaller setting, then head to the village of Pinckney for its 10th annual parade. Beginning at noon in downtown Pinckney on Howell Street, the parade will host bagpipe bands, Irish dancers and, of course, more than a few people dressed as leprechauns. Also taking part in the celebration will be The Lakes Grill on S. Howell Street where you will find corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, green beer and fun for the entire family. Located in Livingston County, Pinckney offers a rural setting that adds an aspect of a much smaller community to the celebration.
Royal Oak Middle School
709 N. Washington Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
www.oaklandcountyaoh.comDate: March 8, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.If you and the family are in the mood for an early St. Patrick's Day, head to Royal Oak on March 8 and join in the parade hosted by the Norman O'Brien Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Taking part in the parade will be bagpipe bands, a gathering of some of the best step dancers to be found in Southeastern Michigan and, of course, everyday Irish families who wish to show pride in their heritage. This year's parade promises to be larger than in the past with more floats and groups than ever before. So take part in the wearing of the green and head to Royal Oak for an early St. Patrick's Day celebration the entire family will love.
St. Patrick's Day Mother Son Dance
Waterford Recreation Center
5640 Williams Lake Road
Waterford Twp. MI 48329
(248) 674-5441
www.twp.waterford.mi.us/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation
Date: March 13, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Finally for the mothers and young sons out there who are upset at the number of daddy daughter dances held each year, the Wixom Recreation Department is hosting the St. Patrick's Day mother son dance. From 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. on March 13, moms and their sons can enjoy some time together and yes, mom may even teach her son to dance a bit. There will be a DJ to make sure the music continues to flow, light refreshments and to make sure this night is always remembered, there will be a photo taken of the mother and son by Unique Image Studio of Photography. Tickets are $9 per person for this long-needed event for the family.
Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
