It's Festive! It's Historically Irish! It's St Pat's Day with a Minnesota Flair!

Or Flaherty...In this case! Though many consider Minnesota to be the home of Swedish and Norwegian immigrants, the Irish have very deep roots in Minnesota's soil. Railroads and farming opportunities enticed Irish immigrants in the late 1800's to the state to settle in colonies along the Mississippi. Of course on St. Patrick's Day every Minnesotan has a bit of the Irish in them. The traditional St. Patrick's Day parade in St. Paul was held this past Saturday as to not conflict with holy week but Minneapolis is holding true to a celebration today.

Growing up in St. Paul as a Flaherty, we did participate from time to time in the St. Paul, St. Patty's Day parade and festivities. It was fun to see Dayton's add the big "O" to the front of their logo at the downtown store in honor of the event. I think we may have had a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner or two as well. Whether as a spectator or participant, it was fun to celebrate our Gaelic heritage. The Irish dancing and music are a unique cultural experience, though I doubt my hair would have ever held those tight ringlets.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share some fun Minnesota Irish websites. Enjoy!

• Meet St. Patrick
• History of Irish in Minnesota
• Irish Songs and their lyrics
• Irish Recipes
• St. Paul St. Pat's
• St. Patrick's Day Online Games
• The Irish Gazette
• Official Government Website of Ireland

And here is the chorus of my favorite Irish song:

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/