BATH — The city’s annual Blarney Days celebration begins on Friday, March 14, and concludes on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17.

Things kick off March 14 with “Voices of the Sea,” showcasing the poetry and music of fishermen at Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The fifth annual Shamrock Sprint 5K race/walk takes place Saturday, March 15, starting at Admiral’s Steak House at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and children younger than 12 can walk or run at no charge with a registered adult.

Registration forms can be found at F4OF.org, active.com, and on the Main Street Bath website, visitbath.com. People can also register at the Bath Parks and Registration Department. Early registration costs $20 for adults and $15 for students.

The event is followed by the St. Patrick’s Day parade at 11 a.m. The cut-off date for entries is Thursday, March 13. Log onto visitbath.com/events/bath-blarney-days-parade for more information about entering.

A tug-o-war will be held at City Hall at noon, and the city’s third annual Blarney Ball will paint the town green that evening from 7-10 p.m. The event will be held at the Winter Street Center, 880 Washington St., and feature dancing, a live band, dessert, a cash bar, light refreshments and door prizes.

An Irish baking contest will be held Sunday at Now You’re Cooking, 49 Front St., at 2:30 p.m. Entries should be dropped off between noon and 2 p.m.

Also that day, Cafe Creme, 56 Front St., will feature “More than Blarney” Irish poetry and music from 4-5 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated all day Monday at downtown restaurants and pubs, and the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps will play at Byrnes’ Irish Pub. The drawing of a winner of the “Pot O’Gold Passport Contest” will conclude the long weekend celebration.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.