Whether proudly celebrating their Irish heritage or looking for a bit o' fun among friends as the peak season begins to wind down on Longboat Key, celebrants found many ways to enjoy St. Patrick's Day.
Monday afternoon, St. Armands Circle was particularly busy at Lynches Pub & Grub, the classic Irish ale house, doled out the iconic green beer. The business was proud to offer more than 120 Irish whiskeys, Guinness, corned beef and other traditional Irish fare.
Paul and Jean Whelan were happy to celebrate with Eugene Cotter and Bridget Moran, visiting from Ireland. Paul drew many cheerful smiles from passersby with his hair and mustache, dyed bright green for the occasion.
"Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit," Cotter offered as Gaelic well wishes.
David Driscoll demonstrates his skills on the bagpipes at Longboat Harbour Condominiums' St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Later in the day, All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church held a celebration of its own, featuring a performance by vocalists Johanna Davis, Tasha Robinson and Linda Mento-Rei.
Parishioners then enjoyed an Irish-themed feast with a hearty stew and berry crumble that cook Jinx Kochan said took several days to prepare. But she said the task becomes easier every year with experience and is a labor of love.
Partiers at Longboat Harbour Condominiums were some of the earliest to kick off the fun this week, hosting a more than four-hour extravaganza on March 14.
Central to the celebration was a performance by some of the talented youth at The Drake School of Irish Dancers.
Instructor Catherine Cier said the dancers always look forward to performing for residents here.
"It's always been a really fun show for us," she said. "They're a great crowd. They're energetic, and they love watching the dancers."
The Coral Springs dance group, which has been together for about five years, has much to look forward to this year. Performer Sarah Daley has qualified for a national competition taking place this July.
Genny Resch, visiting from Maryland to see the Orioles play, makes friends with Bill Oludwig and Cha Cha Sunshine at Lynches Pub & Grub on Saint Patrick's Day.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jean Whelan, Bridget Moran, Eugene Cotter and Paul Whelan celebrate St. Patrick's Day on St. Armands Circle.
Photo by Dana Kampa
The Noble family, visiting Longboat Key relatives all the way from Canada, offers a cheers on St. Patrick's Day.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Adam T. Lynch, also known as "ATZ," gives a cool look over his festive cape while deejaying at Lynches Pub & Grub on Monday.
Photo by Dana Kampa
BJ Skar, Phil Dimodica and Dan Sommer go formal with their St. Patrick's Day-themed garb.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Celebrants on St. Armands Circle came from near and far to hoist a green ale and enjoy an afternoon in the sun on Saint Patrick's Day.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Back left to right: Sarah Daley, Madison Seelye, Haley Seelye, Ashlynn Seelye, Eli Murphy, Instructor Catherine Cier; Front left to right, Trinity Davis, Haven Wheeler and Gemma Davis.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Ulf Langgard and John Macumber don their best green duds for St. Patrick's Day at Longboat Harbour Condominiums.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Darryl Joseph, aka DJ Papa Joedar, keeps the party going at Longboat Harbour Condominiums.
Photo by Dana Kampa
The Drake School of Irish Dancers performs at Longboat Harbour Condominiums for Saint Patrick's Day.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Gail Gilvey, Liam Ward and Karen Pashkow
Volunteers brought together an Irish feast for Longboat Harbour Condominiums attendees.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Irishwoman Ellen Roderick enjoys a potato at the dinner and concert held March 17 at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jinx Kochan dishes up Irish stew with Bob Morissey at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church's Saint Patrick's Day dinner and concert on March 17.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Arla Tejedor, Katrina Mah, Beverly Joutras, Judy Reed and Ginny Spitler said they loved this year's singers.
Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.
