As we head towards St. Patrick’s Day, we continue our exploration of some of Blackstone Valley’s diverse cultures.
On St. Patrick’s Day it seems everyone is Irish and when folks think of this day in the Blackstone Valley, all eyes are on Pawtucket. The city is home to a large population of Irish-Americans and is usually the first to kick-off St. Patrick’s Day in Rhode Island with a parade and all-day celebration of food and drink.
This year there was no parade unfortunately, but the iconic Shamrock still got painted in front of Pawtucket City Hall and a smaller ten-car motorcade with the Parade Committee drove the parade route to keep the tradition alive.
Starting today through to next weekend many of our restaurants and pubs whether Irish or not will be featuring the traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare of Corn Beef & Cabbage. (See the list below.)
If you’re wondering how the Irish came to settle in Rhode island and much of New England, it’s similar to the French-Canadian story that we previously shared. As local labor sources did not match the mills demands, the first immigrant group to answer the call were the Irish.
“Early Irish immigrants constructed the Blackstone Canal. These canal diggers were professionals at their craft. They built canals in England, Ireland, and many worked on the Erie Canal in New York. While Irish immigrants were subject to prejudices for their Catholic faith, by the mid-19th century, they became the major workforce in the Blackstone Valley.”*
You can learn more about the Irish and the Blackstone Canal on Tuesday, March 16 at a virtual event sponsored by the Museum of Newport Irish History. Former Blackstone Valley park ranger, Chuck Arnig, will give a lecture on “How the Irish Saved the Blackstone Canal.” More Info.
St. Patrick’s Day Events & Dining Options
Sunday, March 14: St. Ann’s Arts & Culture in Woonsocket will turn Irish to host its annual “Luck of the Irish” Corn Beef & Cabbage drive thru fundraising event from 3 to 6 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door. More Info.
Friday, March 19: Harvest Kitchen in Pawtucket is offering St. Patrick’s Weekend Dinner. Order by midnight on March 15th and pick-up between 10 am and 4 pm on March 19. The menu has both a traditional Corned Beef dinner or a Vegan Irish Stout Stew that features locally sourced items including Stout from their neighbor’s, The Guild. The dinners are available for $32.50 (+tax). More Info.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th: Lops Brewing in Woonsocket will be open from 12 – 9 pm to feature some new releases including Mountie Red Ale, Dark and Stormy Seltzer as well as some Shamrock t-shirts. Supa Dupa food truck will be on site from 5 – 8 pm. More Info
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th: Thirsty Beaver in Smithfield will be serving food and drink specials all day such as their house boiled dinner, and emerald isle elixir martini (pictured here) or blarney stone margaritas for you to enjoy. Plus, live music featuring Lauren King and Erika Van Pelt from 7 – 11 pm. Due to seating restrictions reservations are recommended More Info
Saturday, March 20 at 7 pm: If it’s Irish music you want, then join the acclaimed Blackstone River Theater for a special virtual concert of Irish traditional music featuring Uillean piper, Torring Ryan. Ryan has grown up at Blackstone River Theatre, performing solo and with many groups as well as volunteering. He will be joined by the flute/guitar duo, Ryefield Cove. The duo, Leslie Anne Harrison and Frederic Pouille met in Ireland over a decade ago and have been performing ever since. The concert will feature Irish tunes as well as original music from Leslie and some French songs from Frederick for an evening of diverse music. More Info and Purchase Tickets.
CLICK HERE for a complete list of St. Patrick’s Day Events and Irish Pubs
(Note: Reservations may be required)
Baked Goodies and St. Joseph’s Day
Some of our bakeries will be offering Irish inspired cookies along with Irish Soda Bread. Others will be featuring the traditional Italian favorite, Zeppole, to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, which is Friday March 19.
Here are just a few:
- Gingersnaps Bakery in Lincoln is offering Irish inspired hot chocolate bombs that include Lucky Charms! Other options are Shamrock Shake flavored as well as Bailey’s or Guinness flavored for adults only. These are available in limited quantities through the end of the month.
- Ivy and Lace Bakeshop in Greenville is offering up Bailey’s Irish creme-filled zeppole.
- Divas Dips and Gourmet Treats in Woonsocket has St. Patrick’s Day treats but make sure you get your order in by Friday, March 12.
- Pastryland Bakery in Smithfield is a delicious bakery known for their zeppoles. We tried them last year and we were not disappointed.
Lastly, speaking of St. Joseph’s Day… on Saturday, March 13th St. James Church in Manville is hosting its annual Pasta Dinner from 5 – 7 pm complete with pasta, meatballs, salad and zeppole for dessert. More Info
CLICK HERE for more of Blackstone Valley’s Italian Restaurants and Bakeries
*Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Photo credit: Thirsty Beaver Smithfield