Get A Green Fever

by Catherine Dilworth assista,,t ,,ews ediW,

It's that time again, when Irish eyes are smiling, Guinness flows like a river and everybody gets a little green. St Patrick's day falls on a Sunday this year and the bars have already started representing their green leprechaun hats and shamrocks. Philadelphia is notorious for its St. Patrick's Day festivities, from the bar hoping to the parades, Philly is the place to be.

Over a hundred marching and string bands, Irish dancers and other festive groups make their way through town for the annual St. Patrick's Day Observance Association •s·parade. This year's theme is for the fallen heroes of Sept. 11; the parade will feature representatives from New York's finest in the Ring of Honor. People, Irish or not, line the streets, donning their best shades of green.

The parade moves down Market Street from 20th Street to 16th Street, up 16th to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, then to Logan Circle, where it ends at the viewing stands. If you can't make it downtown, the parade will be on WPVI (Channel 6) from I p.m. to 3 p.m.

If you're not the parade type then you can bar hop like a leprechaun. Many authentic Irish pubs are located within the Philadelphia area. Finnigan 's Wake is probably the most popular pub and entertainment complex as it is included in National Geographic Traveler Magazine's "Ten Must See Sites in Philly." Its unique Irish atmosphere, complete with cobblestone floors and actual Irish memora- bilia, inhabits four thematic floors and features live Irish bands. Located at 537-41 N. and 3rd St., Finnigan's Wake will host a memorable St. Patrick's Day celebration beginning bright and early at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

"Black Sheep" refers to an Irish bar located on 247 S. and 17th Street in Philadelphia. Owned by two Irishmen, the pub showcases an "Irish fusion" style and an extensive selection of beer and whiskey. A solid, red door, which is conveniently· opened from 11:30 to 2:30 a.m. and a quaint brick townhouse facade attracts everyone from Wl!arton students to lawyers and doctors.

For an older-style Irish setting, visit Fergie's Pub on St. Patrick's Day, located at 1214 Sansom St. claiming to be reminiscent of the pubs of the Emerald Isle and Old Dublin Town, Fergie's offers $20 tickets for a night of food, drinks and partying. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.

If you're just looking for an old Irish pub to throw a few back, then here is a listing of other Irish bars in Philadelphia and addresses for above bars. There is a brief description courtesy of the bartenders from each establishment.

For students who prefer to stay close to Cabrini, Erin's Pub and P.J. Henry's are convenient alternatives, located Jess than five minutes down Lancaster Avenue.

Find your pot o' gold this St. Patrick's Day on the Erin Express pub-crawl. This annual pub-crawl takes place March 9 and March 16. The Erin Express is a bar hopping bus ride from bar to bar on St. Patrick's Day. It usually stays at one bar for about