ON THE COVER

2. Erin Go Bragh

With St. Patrick’s day the unofficial start of the spring season many waterfront bars and restaurants open mid-March and begin offering live music. One of the best bands to celebrate with on St. Patrick’s Day is The i-Berrys. They will perform the 6th annual Irish Hooley at Encore in Lake Ozark on March 18 — following the annual St. Pat’s parade. The show starts around 4 p.m. and is free. It’s a must-see event.

3. Festive Food

You might have to search for it, but many restaurants change up their menu for this special holiday by offering traditional fare on the menu. Corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and many other traditional Irish meals have been spotted at local establishments in the past. Of course, feel free to wash it down with a bit of Irish whiskey or green beer.

4. Spot a Leprechaun

A water and land parade have been longstanding traditions and m any locals consider St. Patrick’s Day events to be the unofficial start of the spring season.

It’s time to get the boat out for the first excursion of the se ason. Don’t forget to wear your green and decorate your boat for a chance to win prizes.

The 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Water Parade begins and ends at C aptain Ron’s at the 34.5-mile marker on March 11. Ride the Celebration boat and stop off at the participating stops: Bear Bottom Resort, NautiFish Rum Bar, and The Fish & Co. Tickets are $60/person.

Festivities begin with the National Anthem at 9:30 a.m., the Bl essing of the Fleet at 9:35 a.m. and boarding the Celebration starts at 9:45 a.m. Boats will take off at 10 a.m. Anyone is welcome to attend and join the caravan of boats as they take off f or the

For more information, go to www.lakewestchamber.com. The crowds always come out for the annual Lake of the Ozarks St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In its 38th year, the parade will begin at 1 p.m. on March 18 and will travel down Bagnell Dam Blvd. to the Lake Ozark Strip. Grab a couple of lounge chairs and find a spot to watch.

Hop on the bus and stop at more than 10 participating locations. The 13th annual St. Pat’s Day Pub Crawl will be held March 11. Party-goers can ride the bus for $10. Stops along the route are: Bear Bottom Resort, Branding Iron, Captain Ron’s, Chances R’, Franky & Louie’s, NautiFish Rum Bar, Rocky Top Bar & Grill, Stogies Liquor & Tavern, The Glory Hole, Westside Pub, Whisky Dick’s, and Woods.

Drink responsibly by planning ahead and designating a sober driver. There are plenty of lodging properties along the route that offer overnight accommodations. For more information, go to www.lakewestchamber.com.