A green day on Lakewood Main Street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

For Lakewood Ranch's Nicole O'Malley, attending events with her three children — Rhiannon, Charlie and Annabelle  — allows her to experience events with a sense of childlike wonder.

This was especially true during the St. Patrick's Day celebration on Lakewood Main Street March 17. It was a collaborative effort between EZ Restaurant Group (Percoco’s, The Peculiar Pub, Twisted Pit) and Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center. 

"It felt like one big community celebration and we’re so grateful to be part of such a wonderful area," O’Malley said. "The kids loved dancing around together and it was just one of those easy, happy days you wish you could bottle up."

Everywhere you looked, people were dressed in green with hats, necklaces and various accessories that made it clear it was St. Patrick's Day. 

Lakewood Ranch's Bill Nicholson dressed in a  Guinness hat and shirt and went a few steps further to include a shamrock scarf and various necklaces. 

Nicholson celebrates St. Patrick's Day every year. 

"Everyone was so friendly. It was a typical Lakewood Ranch day," Nicholson said. "This year I thought the vendors and staff were especially helpful." 

There was a beer tanker on Lakewood Main Street serving Irish beer all day. All proceeds will be donated to Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center. 

Lakewood Ranch's Claudia Kell was among the group of volunteers from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center to serve the beer. 

"I love volunteering for Nate's and the music was great," Kell said. "I loved interacting with all the people and I do celebrate St. Patrick's Day every year because I'm a wee bit Irish. It's always great to celebrate your heritage and meet new people."

Zachary Zeller, president of EZ Restaurant Group, said he was shocked at the turnout. 

"We wanted to bring something special to Main Street that the whole community could enjoy — not just a restaurant event, but something that brought families, local businesses, and neighbors together,"  Zeller said. "Seeing the turnout and the energy today, it felt like we accomplished that."