WEEKEND BEST BET: Irish Celtic Festival

Don't worry if your family tree doesn't branch into Ireland. This weekend, anyone can be Irish for a day.

The fourth annual Irish Celtic Festival is back from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14, at Greenbrook Adventure Park, located off State Road 70. The event celebrates Gaelic culture through Celtic song and dance, with performances by the Celtic Misfit Band and the Blue Eyed Bettys, and routines performed by New World Celtic Dance teams.

Admission and parking are free and available at the East County park.

An event staple, the Lucky Dog Parade will kick off the event at 11 a.m. The parade winds around the park and showcases dogs and their owners in their kilts, green clothing and other Irish attire. Cost is $5 per dog, with a four-dog limit per person.

Awards will be given for the cutest and most Irish dogs, and for the best dog and owner lookalikes. Proceeds from the parade benefit the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

Parents' little leprechauns can participate in the Pot of Gold scavenger hunt, face painting, potato decorating and other children-focused activities. For the adults, the festival features events, such as the Best Legs in a Kilt contest, and demonstrations on Gaelic football and hurling. 

Irish food, craft beers and ciders will also be available for purchase.

For more information on the event's lineup, visit http://www.lwrcac.com/irish-celtic-festival/

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].