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Celebrating St. Patty’s Day in Summit County

Kimberly Nicolettisummit daily news
Summit Daily file photos/Mark Fox
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Whether you’re Catholic or not, Thursday, you have a dispensation from following Lenten prohibitions – at least that’s how it works in Ireland; when St. Patrick’s Day falls within the 40 days of Lent, in which Catholics traditionally give up favorable types of food and drink in the spirit of sacrifice, they bend the rules a wee bit and eat meat, as well as drink, on their beloved saint’s day.But, if you’re looking for a wholesome, family type of celebration on St. Patty’s Day, two shows open Thursday night. (We’ll get to the bar scene in a minute.)

This year, the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization aimed at supporting their church’s teachings and values, rented out the Silverthorne Pavilion to bring in “Late Nite Catechism.”Though you certainly don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy the humor in this show, those raised in the religion appreciate it even more. The script features a Catholic nun named “Sister,” whose “soul” purpose is to help people brush up on their religious doctrine, in order to become role models. But, she’s teaching people the ropes her way. And, unlike post-Vatican II nuns, “with their little headbands and polyester suits,” she wears a full black habit, proving she’s tough enough to lug around 20 pounds of black fabric on a hot day. Sister lays out her viewpoints of Roman Catholicism in a down-to-earth, but of course never vulgar way, which makes it perfect for families.For tickets and more information, contact Bob at (970) 468-4858.

Thursday night at 7, Summit High School presents its spring show, “It’s Great to Be Crazy.” The play also runs Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 in the high school auditorium.Donald Payton wrote the fast-paced farce, which is directed this year by Lake Dillon Theatre Company’s Josh Blanchard.The story portrays a suburban family struggling to cope with startling news in the 1950s. But, it’s not your typical struggle: On stage, thieves and magicians – in addition to long-lost relatives – come out of the woodwork to provide a comedy “sure to be fun and great entertainment for the entire family,” according to SHS teachers. What’s even more different is the play will be performed in a black box (a bare bones, intimate exposition), so seating is limited to 100 people per show.Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and are available through the high school or at the door.”‘It’s Great To Be Crazy’ features the talent of the drama department and the creativity of technical crew,” said SHS teacher Scott Porter. “This work of hilarity is sure to please, so bring the family.”



If you’re looking for a little Irish wit in your evening, head to Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge to listen to its fourth annual Poetry Slam. More than 80 people attended last year’s slam, with about 20 presenters. Styles of poetry range from romantic to rap, rhyme to freeform, life stories to political protests, and topics include nature, travel and relationships. The rhyme begins at 6 p.m. and lasts two hours.

The Irish are well known for throwing down a few Guinness beers, so it’s no surprise bars throughout the county are stirring up the luck o’ the Irish. Though this isn’t a comprehensive list of every party, it’s a good start; check the calendar and ads in the Summit Daily News on Thursday for more information.Mac Macdonald kicks off the celebrations with his St. Paddy’s Day Happy Hour Show, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Whale’s Tail (in Breckenridge), where he fills the belly of the whale with music and comedy.Todd Johnson also revs things up early, with acoustic music featuring Irish baritone Bill O’Dowd from 2-5 p.m. at Keystone’s Kickapoo Tavern in River Run.And, from 4-8 p.m., it’s Better than Bacon, will be sizzling up some greasy rock ‘n’ roll with old soul at Rosi’s Bar at the base of the Super Bee at Copper Mountain.Murphy’s Irish Pub in Silverthorne is always a mainstay of the sparkly-eyed culture. At 4 p.m. Thursday Carey Robinson begins the live music, followed by Tommy Shrieve at 9. And, Murphy’s has prizes and giveaways all night.Another Irish institution in Summit is the Cala Inn in Summit Cove, which will serve traditional Irish breakfast starting at 8 a.m. and serve specials on all consumables Irish throughout the day.Speaking of Irish fare, Dillon Dam is cooking up a corned beef special – while it lasts.Burke & Riley’s starts its bash at 1 p.m. with Sixtysix Days, but it opens at 7 a.m. to serve breakfast, with corned beef and cabbage, as well as hand-dipped fish and chips, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Festivities include Irish bead giveaways and a DJ spinning all day and night.To put a spring in your step, check out the Celtic Steps Irish Dancers from 5-5:30 p.m. at Napper Tandy’s Bar, above Salt Creek on Lincoln Street in Breck. The bar also offers a full breakfast, then corned beef and cabbage all day, along with green beers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $3 Harp bottles.Though Prost in Frisco leans toward the German side of things, it’s not shy in donning some green and offering McChouffe, a rare beer, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.Like Prost, the Blue River Bistro in Breck is going green with 4-7 p.m. St. Patty’s Day appetizers and drink specials, including, of course, Guinness.Breck’s Motherloaded Tavern serves up Irish food all day, and Stoney Live plays at 10 p.m.Upstairs at Johnny G’s in Frisco tests the Irish wit with live trivia hosted by Kelli L. at 7 p.m., followed by DJ Cyn spinning new and old-school hip-hop, as well as drink specials on Guinness and Jameson.


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