Since St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday this year – one week from tomorrow – many celebrations are a bit early, happening this weekend, like these three:

(WSB photo: WSHS students in 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade)

LOCAL STUDENTS IN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE DOWNTOWN: Saturday (March 11th) at 12:30 pm, three schools have bands in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown. First, the parade overview:

At 12:20 pm, the Irish flag is raised in front of the King County Administration Building, followed by trumpeters playing the Irish and US National Anthems. Then at 12:30 pm, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals and the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal lead Seattle’s 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade up 4th Avenue, traveling north from James St to the reviewing stand at Westlake Park. From there participants are invited to travel for free via the Monorail to the Seattle Center for closing ceremonies at the Irish Festival in the Armory at 2:30 pm.

According to the parade running order, the marching bands from Chief Sealth International High School, West Seattle High School, and Denny International Middle School are participating. (Any other West Seattleites in the parade? Please let us know so we can mention you too!)

LIONS CLUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER: Keep wearing the green into Saturday night, when the West Seattle Lions Club invites you to its annual “dinner and karaoke extravaganza” at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon). $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children under 12. “Dinner includes traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare. Adult beverages available at cost.” RSVP requested – call Cheryl, 206-909-6427.

TIBBETTS UMC ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY: Then on Sunday, 11:30 am-1 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) invites you to a St. Patrick’s Day party/lunch in the Fellowship Hall (3940 41st SW): “We welcome all to this free and fun gathering that includes a warm meal and crafts. We will be serving homemade potato chowder. We’ll have crafting supplies on hand for all ages to inspire creativity.”

And other St. Patrick’s Day festivities are set for next week – see the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.