BATH — It’s time to don your green apparel and join in as the City of Ships celebrates one week as the “City of the Irish.”

The third annual Bath Blarney Days begins March 10 and runs through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Bath restaurants will offer discounts and Irish-themed items on Friday, March 11.

March 12 events start at 9 a.m. with a family “fun run” which precedes a 5K “Shamrock Sprint.” The Morse Sports Boosters are sponsoring the event to benefit Fields for Our Future. The third annual St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at 11 a.m., and a tug of war will be fought afterward in front of City Hall.

An Irish soda bread baking contest will be held next door on Front Street at Now You’re Cooking, and entries must be submitted by 1 p.m. for judging at 2 p.m. A story time will be held at the Bath Book Shop at 1:30 p.m., and free trolley and antique car rides will be available.

The Bath Area Family YMCA offers free admission throughout the weekend to people wearing green. There will be coloring contests for elementary school students, and live music downtown.

A poetry reading, keeping with the Irish literary tradition, will be held at the Patten Free Library Wednesday, March 16. Sharon Pyne will perform Irish music at 6:30 p.m., followed by poets Marita O’Neill and Duff Plunkett. Helene McGlauflin will read from her new poetry book, “Tiny Sabbath,” and tea and scones will be served.

The celebration wraps up on St. Patrick’s Day, when a day-long celebration including food, drink and Celtic music at Byrne’s Irish Pub.

Log onto visitbath.com for a complete activities list.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net.

Copy the Story Link