How I Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Hudson Valley Less Than 2.5% Irish

For many, St. Patrick's Day marks the first 'big' reason to celebrate in the new year, as in P-A-R-T-Y hard, Irish or not.

For some of us though, we wear green to blend in with the rest of the crowd and go about our business as usual, this is typically the category I fall into.

I grew up here in the Hudson Valley, and yes I went to my share of local St. Patty's parades, but it wasn't until I moved to Western Massachusetts (home to one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the US) that I really learned about many of the hardcore traditions and values that go into the celebrations.  It was there that I learned about the 'Irish Sweaters' known as an Aran Jumper or Aran Sweater, about some official lingo, 'Slainte,' and got some real exposure to celebrating the holiday.

Meanwhile, back here in the Hudson Valley, as we approach St. Patrick's Day 2022 and you're wondering how you might celebrate, even if you don't have any Irish in ya, here's just a few tips this mostly Italian girl (recent ancestry test showed less than 2.5% Irish) has picked up over the years.

Green Bagels

A tradition in my family that I can VIVIDLY remember dating back to my early childhood.  Would I be embarrassing my family to share that we used to call it 'Green Bagel Day' instead of St. Patty's Day?  Many local bagel shops offer these beauties for the occasion (I picked mine up at New Paltz Bagels on Wednesday).

Dutchess County St. Patrick's Day Parade

Did you march in the parade, or were you sad to have missed the celebration this year? You can experience the 2022 Dutchess County St. Patrick's Parade (maybe while eating a green bagel) from the comfort of your couch, no Irish heritage required.

Beer!

While there's no shortage of beer options for the holiday, Newburgh Brewing just dropped a new St. Patty's themed brew on us this week.  Slainte Dry Irish Stout has entered the game, and I'm sure they'll help you with the proper pronunciation if you ask nicely.

Local Pubs & Bars

Many of our favorite local spots are offering St. Patrick's Day special menus, drink specials, live music and other assorted holiday fun.  Why not head out with your (Irish or not) pals, or even your kids, to enjoy it.  Jonah from WRRV will be at McGillicuddy's in New Paltz broadcasting live from 3-7pm, so you know where I'll be.  Maybe you'll catch this festive bunch there next to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

However you decide to celebrate, just remember to do so responsibly, as they'll be extra police on local roadways, and may the luck'o'the Irish be with you this St. Patrick's Day.