Best Family-Friendly Activities In Sacramento For St. Patrick's Day 2014
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with shamrocks, the color green and visions of cheerful leprechauns in tall hats. It is also commonly thought of as the perfect day to drink Irish whiskey and green-tinted beer, often in sufficient quantities to leave revelers looking a bit green themselves the next morning. But there are many festive ways to celebrate the day with the whole family, particularly since the Sacramento region’s weather makes outdoor events feasible in March. The following are a few great ways to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in the capital city, and that is no blarney.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Old Sacramento
1000 Front St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.oldsacramento.com
When: March 15, 2014 at 1 p.m.
More than 1,000 people will be part of the free St. Patrick’s Day procession, which winds its way through the 28 acres of Old Sacramento’s historic district. More than 15,000 people came to watch the festivities in 2013, so bundle up the kids and bring a thermos of hot chocolate to find a good place from which to watch. Children and adults love the enthusiastic vibe of the parade, which includes drum and pipe corps and bands playing spirited Irish tunes and marching music. Bagpipes abound, and kids love to watch row upon row of the kilted pipers. Highland and Irish dancers dressed in colorful Celtic garb entertain the crowds, and authentically appareled groups reenact scenes from history. Other marching groups include military regiments, local fire and police department members and dancing, singing costumed characters. Floats and other upbeat displays from local cultural and community associations also take part in the parade. All Old Sacramento streets are closed from noon to 3 p.m. that day, so be sure to allow additional time to find parking and get to the parade site.
St. Patrick’s Brunch
Sacramento River Train
400 N. Harbor Blvd.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Sacramento River Train (Woodland)
341 Industrial Way
Woodland, CA 95776
(800) 866-1690
www.sacramentorivertrain.com
Date: March 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. in West Sacramento and 11:30 a.m. in Woodland
Bring the family for a delicious brunch on the Sacramento River Train, an historic railroad train now used for excursions along the Sacramento River. The trip is a great way to celebrate the Irish day o’ green, with spectacular views along the countryside between Sacramento and Woodland. The train has both open-air and enclosed cars, so the kids can check out the scenery from several different comfortable spots during the 28-mile trip. The experience is fun for all ages, but is particularly interesting and educational for those who have never had the opportunity to take a ride on a real, old-fashioned train. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the club car and dining coaches will feature Celtic and Irish music, and adults can choose to enjoy the relaxing setting in comfort with a glass of champagne. Brunch, which includes special items just for the wee ones, is served at your table as the gold and blue train takes you across the countryside. Be sure to make reservations, as the holiday brunch has limited seating, and you do not want to miss out.
Shamrock'n Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids' Run
Raley Field
400 Ballpark Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95691
www.shamrocknhalf.com
Date: March 15 and 16, 2014
Serious runners who sign up in time can compete on March 16, 2014, but the real family fun takes place on Saturday, the day before. All participants must register in advance to secure their spot in the 5K run/walk, which starts at 8 a.m. and for the kids' half-mile run that begins at 9:45 a.m. The Tower Bridge ramp to West Capitol Avenue will be closed off as of 7:15 a.m., so car drivers should plan for alternative routes and parking. Bike riders going green for the day can receive free valet bicycle parking courtesy of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates. Proceeds from the St. Patrick’s Day event benefit the Sacramento-based nonprofit Triumph Cancer Foundation, which provides free fitness services to adult cancer patients recovering from cancer treatments.
Related: Best Flea Markets In Sacramento
Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.