Every year, round-about the beginning of March, a lot of people claim to have some Irish heritage in their families. Some are telling the truth – others are just spreading a bit of blarney to feel a part of the quickly approaching St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Regardless, it’s usually a fun day for all.

Deadwood always celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a big way! The luck ‘o the Irish will be alive and well in the historic downtown area on Saturday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 17.

Deadwood’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off Saturday, March 13, with a pub crawl, poker run, parade and live entertainment. On Wednesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – festivities start at 5 p.m. with a parade on Deadwood’s Main Street followed by Irish cheer throughout town.

Saturday, March 13 begins with registration for the pub crawl and poker run at noon at the Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall on Deadwood’s Main Street. The crawl and poker run begin at 2 p.m., and both events are free to enter. Participants will be eligible for numerous prizes and special discounts at downtown merchants.

The Saturday parade is at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony for the afternoon’s events. There will also be live entertainment at various venues throughout Deadwood.

I come from a genuinely Irish family, so St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. In the past, I haven’t been able to attend Deadwood’s St. Patrick’s Day bash, but this year I’m excited to be able to be a part of it. Look me up if you’ll be in Deadwood for the event – I’ll be the one in the green.