Alpena residents in Northeast Michigan rang in St. Patrick’s Day in classic fashion – gathering at local bars, pint of green beer in hand, to revel in the festive spirit.
Throughout the region, bars joined in the celebration by adding a touch of green to their brews, offering special evenings filled with musical performances, hearty corned beef and cabbage dinners, and a sprinkle of green shamrocks adorning their venues.
While some traditions, like the shamrock symbolizing the arrival of spring, trace back to Irish origins, many St. Patrick’s Day customs have evolved within the United States.
In Alpena, The Black Sheep transformed from its usual English pub ambiance to embrace an Irish atmosphere for the weekend festivities. With an Irish flag proudly waving outside, the pub served up generous portions of corned beef, poured pints of Guinness, and entertained patrons with live music, including performances by local acts such as Doug Haines and the Birch Roads String Band.
Kris Conger, co-owner of The Black Sheep, shared insights into their longstanding tradition, explaining their commitment to serving corned beef and cabbage exclusively on St. Patrick’s Day itself, with any leftovers donated to local soup kitchens.
Meanwhile, other establishments like Player’s Pub and Grub and Bogart’s Tavern also embraced the St. Patrick’s Day spirit by offering similar menus featuring corned beef and cabbage dinners alongside the iconic green beer.
For many, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to indulge in beloved customs, whether it’s savoring a pint of Guinness or donning festive green attire. Declan Higgins, a native of Ireland now residing in the U.S., exemplified this sentiment, relishing in the simple pleasure of enjoying pints of Guinness with friends.
The allure of St. Patrick’s Day festivities drew crowds to bars across Alpena, with establishments like Bogart’s Tavern hosting lively celebrations featuring karaoke, jello shots, and, of course, ample servings of green beer.
As the day unfolded, it became evident that St. Patrick’s Day in Alpena is not just a date on the calendar but a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, offering a vibrant tapestry of camaraderie, culinary delights, and spirited revelry.
