St. Patrick's Day Fun for Families Around Bridgewater

You don't have to go all the way to Ireland to hear traditional music celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Just check out these ideas for places to go and things to see around Bridgewater.

Parade Day

Families won't want to miss the 20th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, expected to draw more than 15,000 people, in downtown Somerville on March 13. 

"We are looking forward to a fantastic parade," said Brendan Nally, Somerville's St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee chairman. ”Everyone is invited to put their smiles on and come out for a nice family community event."

Parade day begins at 12:30 p.m. with Irish Dancing exhibitions performed by three area dance troupes at the front of the review stand at the corner of Main Street and Doughty Avenue in Somerville.

The parade, which will start rain or shine at 1:30 p.m. from the corner of Main and Grove Streets in Somerville, will proceed west to West End Avenue near Immaculate Conception Church. It will include more than 80 marching units, including nine pipe bands, area high school bands, community organizations and other performers. 

In addition to a good weather forecast, Nally said he's happy to see the return of the “Mummers” for the parade's 20th year. 

Green is the new word

Looking for something festive to do with young children on St. Patrick's Day? 

Green is the Color, and the name of the program for kids ages 4 to 6 years old, offered at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 17, children can learn about Ireland and its traditions, enjoy an Irish treat and take a hike to see who else is "wearing" green.

The cost is $10 per person and attendees should register in advance by calling 908-766-2489.

Blarney Boys to perform

Bring the kids to the Warren Township Library at noon on March 19 to hear the Blarney Boys play songs, share stories and give children a chance to play percussion instruments. This duo mixes traditional Irish music and Irish-American sing-alongs with a few stories and American tunes thrown in for good measure.

"We like nothing better than to have the whole room singing and dancing with us and we'll play whatever it takes to do it," said Dave Rimelis, who sings and plays fiddle, banjo and guitar.

Rimelis' performing partner for the past four years, Dave Braham, also sings and plays fiddle as well as mandolin and piano.

Registration is required for this free library program, which is recommended for children ages four years and older. The public can register online or call the library at 908-754-5554 ext. 23.

If adults want another chance to see the Blarney Boys, they will be playing at Just Jakes in Montclair on March 17.

Take a trip back in time, Irish style

Children ages 5 to 10 years old can learn about Irish history, join in various crafts and other fun activities for Lucky Leprechaun Day from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 17 at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Morristown. Advance registration, which is recommended, can be done by calling 973-377-2982, ext. 12. The price is $3 for each participant and regular admission for all others. 

Wear green, get half-priced fun

For some informal fun, wear green to Imagine That! on St. Patrick's Day in Florham Park and children get half-price admission. Imagine That! is an indoor play place with more than 50 exhibits geared toward preschoolers and young school-age children, including an interactive science area, a comprehensive craft station and a large pirate ship.

Leprechauns and other traditions highlighted

Families with children ages 7 to 12 years old can celebrate the "Traditions of Ireland" at Liberty Hall Museum in Union from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 12. This event, which costs $10 per child including all workshop materials, features a leprechaun centerpiece that parents and their children will create.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 908-527-0400. Liberty Hall Museum, located on the grounds of Kean University, is a historic mansion built in 1772 and was home to New Jersey’s first elected governor and signer of the Constitution, William Livingston.

Families looking for other St. Patrick's Day parades in March throughout New Jersey can visit saintpatricksdayparade.com.