CV NEWS FEED // The 13th-annual “Sober St. Patrick’s Day” in New York City is set for March 16 to celebrate Irish culture and the beloved saint’s virtues “in a healthy, enriching way,” with a family-friendly evening of dancing, games, and food.
“Once again, we’ll gather to celebrate Ireland’s biggest day through the arts, culture, food, and warm welcome the Irish are known for,” stated Sober St. Patrick’s Day founder and chairperson William Spencer Reilly in an email press release.
“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,” Reilly added. “We welcome all to join us for Sober St. Patrick’s Day and to enjoy Ireland’s biggest day in a healthy, enriching way.”
Featuring a 5-Time All Ireland Champion fiddler, an award-winning Irish step dancer, and other talents, Sober St. Patrick’s Day has sold out every year since its founding. Find ticket information here.
The nonprofit ministry’s aim is to “reclaim the day,” the press release reads, “from its tragic association with binge drinking and to elevate our understanding of who St. Patrick is and what he represents: forgiveness.”
The ministry this week published an informational video on St. Patrick’s life “and his belief in the transforming power of forgiveness,” the press release notes, an “inspiring theme for all of us, especially people in recovery.”
Born in 387, St. Patrick was kidnapped at age 16 by Irish marauders, who sold him as a slave in Ireland. For the next six years, Patrick prayed daily and eventually escaped to Britain. He was ordained a priest, and later ordained a bishop in approximately 432. He returned to Ireland as a missionary, where he converted thousands of pagans to Christianity and established many churches. He died in Ireland in 493.
The event takes place from 4:30 to 7p.m. ET at the Church of the Epiphany Parish Hall, following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
According to the press release, the current lineup of Irish music and step-dance performers for the event 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
· And more great performers will be announced soon!
