Best bets for St. Patrick’s Day weekend include the Purgatory Resort Cardboard Derby on Saturday and traditional Irish music performances on Saturday and Sunday at the Irish Embassy Pub.
Although modern celebrations have become a novelty associated with lucky charms, leprechauns and green beer, St. Patrick’s Day dates back to 1631 and was originally held in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, who died sometime during the fifth century.
The factual history of St. Patrick is largely unknown but, according to legend, he was named Maewyn Succat at birth and changed his name to Patricius after becoming a priest. He was known for his good luck, which is retained in current themes of the observance.
More contemporary traditions started to arrive in the early 18th century. Held during Lent, the holiday provided Christians a break, typically involving alcohol consumption, from the abstinence practiced before Easter. A lucky shamrock was bestowed by the church to remind people of its saintly origins.
The first New York City parade took place in 1762, and the color green was officially associated in 1798, when the song “The Wearing of the Green” was sung during the Irish Rebellion. Before then, blue was most commonly paired with St. Patrick because it appeared in the royal court and on ancient Irish flags.
Durango will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., with a performance by local Celtic band Patrick Crossing from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday and late-night dancing in the Underground. A traditional Irish music jam session will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the pub.
The McDonald’s Cardboard Derby will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday on the tubing hill at Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Place.
Derby participants will pilot cardboard racers down the tubing hill in competition with other teams. Racing vessels can be made from cardboard, duct tape, string, twine and paint. They will be inspected by judges at check-in. The objective is to successfully come to a stop in the scoring zone at the bottom of the hill.
The event is open to participants 3 and older. All participants are required to wear helmets, and children 6 and younger must have an adult copilot.
Cost is $15 before Saturday and $20 the day of the event.
Free cardboard is available at McDonald’s, 201 W. College Drive.
For building tips and more information about events, judging and prizes, visit http://bit.ly/2GwtsbV.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/2FIcYfp.
Friends of the Durango Public Library spring book sale, 9:30 a.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.
Bonnie Albright Scholarship fundraiser, 5 p.m., $20, Ska Brewing Co., 225 Girard St., 247-5792.
Friends of the Durango Public Library spring book sale, 9:30 a.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.
Durango Nature Studies “Life Under the Snow” community workshop, 10:30 a.m., $0-$10, Rapp Corral, 51 Haviland Lake Road.
St. Patrick’s Day celebration, 5 p.m., Sunnyside Elementary School, 75 County Road 218.
St Patrick’s Day celebration with Ralph Dinosaur, 6 p.m., $15, Durango Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1550 Main Ave.
Senior recital: Justice Suina guitar, 3 p.m., Fort Lewis College, Jones Hall, Roshong Recital Hall, 1000 Rim Drive.
Meet the Author: Willy Vlautin, 6:30 p.m., Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.
