Sober St. Patrick’s Day will again “reclaim the day” with its signature family-friendly alcohol-free celebration of the best Ireland on Saturday, March 16.
The 13th annual edition of this internationally renowned event kicks off just as New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is wrapping up, 4.30 pm to 7 pm at the Church of the Epiphany Parish Hall at 375 2nd Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Streets).
“Once again, we’ll gather to celebrate Ireland’s biggest day through the arts, culture, food, and warm welcome the Irish are known for,” Sober St. Patrick’s Day founder and chairperson William Spencer Reilly said.
“St. Patrick’s Day should be a celebration of the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick, rather than an excuse for overindulging in alcohol. We welcome all to join us for Sober St. Patrick’s Day and to enjoy Ireland’s biggest day in a healthy, enriching way.”
The initial roster of Irish music and step-dance luminaries slated to perform include:
- Brian Conway, 5-Time All Ireland Champion Fiddler, 2006 Mid-Atlantic CCE Hall of Fame
- Donny Golden School of Irish Dance, Award-winning Irish Step Dancers
- Jerry O’Sullivan, America’s leading Uilleann Piper
- Brendan Dolan, 2016 Mid-Atlantic CCE Hall of Fame, Keyboard Player
- Seagda Coyle, Atlantic Champion Button Accordionist, All-Ireland medalist
- Fiona Conway Fogarty, Irish American Vocalist
- More great performers will be announced soon!
Tickets for the full evening of Irish music, dance, crafts, games, refreshments, and a light supper are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and students, $12 for children under 12 (plus a service charge for all tickets) and no charge for children two and under.
The event has sold out every year, so advance ticket purchase is recommended and available at www.soberstpatricksday.org.
Also, anyone can use that link to register to march with the Sober St. Patrick’s Day contingent in the 263rd New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, before heading back to the Church of the Epiphany Parish Hall for the two-and-a-half-hour family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and high-spirited Celtic craic.
The mission of Sober St. Patrick’s Day is to reclaim the true spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by changing the perception and experience from an occasion for binge drinking and other misuse of alcohol or other drugs to a celebration of the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick.