Irish Week paints Seattle green

Leprechauns converge in downtown Seattle today to kick off the city’s Irish Week 2005.

The 34th annual Irish Week Proclamations luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. today at FX McRory’s with Irish music and dancing and is followed by the reading of proclamations and the parade marshals sash presentation. The Baile Glas Irish Dancers provide entertainment.

The laying of the green stripe on downtown streets begins at 6:30 tonight at Fourth Avenue and Jefferson, continues to Westlake Park and concludes with the drawing of a large shamrock. The public is invited to join the bagpiper and other participants by riding a free trolley or flatbed hay truck along the route.

Seattle’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade begins at 12:15 p.m. Saturday along the green-striped route. This year’s grand marshal is Washington state attorney general Rob McKenna; honorary parade grand marshal is Mazie McFarland.

Thirty-six groups, including seven marching bands, five drill teams and five Irish dancing groups, head to Westlake Park. This year’s largest marching group is the 250-member Golden Regiment Band from Sonora High School in California.

A highlight of this year’s celebration is the Irish Festival at Seattle Center.

Festival events are from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and include live music and dancing, contests and workshops, children’s activities and an Irish Reels Film Festival.

Musical performers include master Uilleann piper Michael Vignoles, Irish tenor Kim Cooney and friends, and Rabone Experience.

The Comerford School of Irish Dance, Bradan School of Irish Dance and Scoil Rince Slieveloughane Irish Dance troupes are some of the groups that show off their fancy footwork. Try a few traditional Irish steps during dance lesson sessions held throughout the weekend.

In the upper-level lobby area of Center House, an Irish art exhibit, antique Irish postcard exhibit and Irish cultural displays showcase Ireland’s heritage.

Also in the Center House, children can make round tower models, St. Brigid’s crosses, shamrock refrigerator magnets and learn about Ireland. Contests for the kids will be held on the main stage. The “Smilingest Irish Eyes” contest is at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and the “Most Irish-looking Face” contest is at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Irish Reels Film Festival offers visitors a peak at Irish cinema. Screening Saturday is “Photos to Send” at 12:30 p.m. and “Headrush” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday’s films include “Necklace of Wrens” at 12:30 p.m. and “Goldfish Memory” at 2:30 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day events continue on Thursday – the official St. Patrick’s Day – with a Mass for Peace from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church.

Jal Schrof photo for the Irish Heritage Club

Dancing girls traipse down the street in the 2004 Irish Week parade in Seattle.

Seattle’s Irish Week

Today11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Proclamation luncheon, F.X. McRory’s, 419 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle

6:30 to 8 p.m. – Laying of the green stripe, begins at F.X. McRory’s

Saturday12:15 to 2 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day parade, from Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street to Westlake Park

Noon to 6 p.m. – Irish Week Festival at Seattle Center

Sunday9 to 10:30 a.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Dash, from First and Mercer streets to Safeco Field

Noon to 6 p.m. – Irish Week Festival at Seattle Center

ThursdayNoon to 1:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Mass for peace, Plymouth Congregational Church, 1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle.

For a complete schedule, visit www.irishclub.org.

Seattle’s Irish Week