St. Patty's Day at SML

For those of you who may not know how St. Patrick’s Day evolved, here’s the quick “CliffsNotes.” St. Patrick’s Day is in observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole…lot…of…green.

If you live at Smith Mountain Lake, or visiting the area, there are a number of ways to celebrate! You can start the day with the Shamrock Hill 5K and 1-mile race that begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Roanoke Catholic High School. And the highlight of the day is the annual Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. on Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue. Be sure to keep an eye out for floats from various groups from Smith Mountain Lake…such as the Smith Mountain Lake Society often has a float that celebrates its patron, a sixth-century Irish saint named Brendan from Tralee.

The celebration continues at the Shamrock Festival that starts at noon at the Wells Fargo Plaza. The festival is free and you can enjoy delectable bites and live music! If you are traveling with children, don’t miss the Freedom First Kids Zones – one in front of the Taubman Museum of Art and the other in the Market Square. This is also free and kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses and great games.

Stay at Mariners Landing Resort for St. Patrick’s Day!

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We have luxurious and cozy condos available for your stay. Browse our condos today http://www.smlvaca.com/accommodations.html