We're getting ready for that time of the year where we proudly wear our green attire and cheers to a luck-filled year with a pint of Guinness – it's almost St. Patrick's Day! I wanted to share details with you about Paddy's Bar & Grill's – Downtown Portland, Oregon's oldest Irish pub – annual two-day St. Patrick's Day Festival fundraiser on Saturday, March 17th and Sunday, March 18th, with food and drink specials, live entertainment and a special raffle prize for a free trip to Ireland!

The festivities will kick off with a tented, family-friendly street party on Saturday, March 17th starting at 11am. Guests can enjoy St. Patrick's Day favorites from the pub, including corned beef and cabbage, Guinness lamb stew, shepherd's pie, and other classic Irish dishes, Guinness and Kilbeggan drink specials, Paddy’s signature Irish coffee, and premium whiskey from Paddy's legendary whiskey wall with more than 600 spirits. Seven live bands, traditional bagpipers and Irish dancers will serve as the weekend's entertainment. There is $15 cover fee for guests entering after 2pm (kids 12 and under are free). The event is family friendly until 6pm.

The celebration continues on Sunday, March 18th with Paddy's opening its pub at 8am, serving up an Irish breakfast to participants of the Shamrock Run. The Murray School of Irish Dancing and local bands will be the day's entertainment. There will be no cover fee for guests on this day.

Guests will also have the chance to enter a raffle throughout the weekend to win a three day trip for two to Ireland complete with airfare, lodging and a tour of the Guinness brewery.

A portion of all festival sales will help benefit the Children's Cancer Association's JoyRx program, Paddy's official charity partner for the past nine years. Paddy's has helped raise over $75,000 for children's cancer research since its initial partnership.

Sláinte!