There’s an old saying that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. And the large number of festivities in the area on Monday, March 17 should keep everybody wearin’ the green and enjoying the food and spirits of the holiday.

While you may not find the proverbial pot of gold or even a rainbow to follow, there’s plenty of Irish fun, food, and music to celebrate.

Establishments in Kewanee, Galva and Bishop Hill are putting on the green and offering familiar Irish menus, ales, and other drinks to tempt your palate and make the holiday special. Some offer musical entertainment to get your toes tapping and take you across the sea to the Isle of Green with a well-played tune or two.

The Flemish American Club is serving a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 15. The food will be served starting at 5:45 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $10 for members, $12 for non-members but the public is invited. RSVP at 309-525-3585

The Shamrock on Boss Street celebrates all things Celtic every day. This year is no exception, with festivities on both Sunday and Monday. It’s been rumored that if you look carefully, you might see a Leprechaun or two. And we know that catching one brings good luck!

Timeout Pub & Grub on East Seventh Street is serving up some special deals on Irish drinks on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Irish Nachos will be available on Monday. Get there before they are gone.

Jay’s Place on Third Street is hosting St. Paddy’s Day festivities throughout the weekend with beer (green if you wish) and prizes on Saturday.

Guppy’s on Lake Street is serving corned beef and cabbage from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday. Beer specials will be available and if you ask, your ale can be made green!

Cerno’s serves a traditional Reuben sandwich every day, along with its famous Reuben pizza. On Monday Irish Nachos will be on the menu. Fiddlerock! is returning this year and will perform all weekend long,

The Barnhouse Restaurant on Tenney is another place for corned beef and cabbage. They are open 24/7.

The newly opened Tres Café (formerly The Station) is serving traditional corned beef and cabbage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Other items on their full menu will also be available.

Cookie’s Gaming Parlor will feature a drink special on Yuengling Lager and Yuengling Flight for $2 on Monday. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. until closing.

In Galva, Uncle Nolan’s Diner will kick off the holiday by serving corned beef and cabbage on Friday. The meal comes with dessert and a drink. Hours will be extended that day, as the restaurant will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday evening, the Galva Arts Council will feature the Celtic band, Exorna, a favorite of local audiences for the last three decades. The group is led by Victor McMulland of County Derry who, along with the Normal, Illinois-based Exorna, provides authentic, down-to-earth tunes that are loaded with humor and sentimentality. The group keeps a truly vanishing art form of music alive by using all traditional instruments. Doors open at 6:30 and the music starts at 7 p.m. at the Arts Council building on Exchange Street. Coffee and cookies are provided. A donation of $5 or more is appreciated.

On Saturday, Crescent City Tap on Front Street has corned beef and cabbage on their menu, along with special drink offers on beer, bloody Mary’s, and fresh peach and apple pie shots. Their Facebook page encourages customers to “dust off yer green, round up your mates, and get ready for a grand time and shenanigans galore.

On Sunday, you can round out the weekend with more corned beef and cabbage from Mary’s Family Restaurant and Lounge on Route 34. Dinner is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 – 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

In nearby Bishop Hill, the Colony Inn is serving Reuben Pizza all month, with beer and billiards for fun.

The Filling Station will be serving corned beef and cabbage on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 – 7 p.m. Staff says that you can be both Swedish and Irish while you are dining,

If you plan to celebrate at home with friends, consider these DIY treats:

The Original Irish Coffee was created in 1942 by Joe Sheriden, a chef at the Limerick, Ireland airbase. To make it you will need:

2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar,
4 ounces of strong, hot coffee (French press is best)
1 ½ ounces Irish Whiskey, and
1 ounce of heavy cream lightly whipped.

In a warm glass or mug, mix the brown sugar with the hot coffee until the sugar is dissolved. Float the whipped cream on top by slowly pouring it over a spoon.

Sheriden expressed the importance of the correct ingredients with this bit of poetry:

Cream – rich as an Irish brogue,
Coffee – strong as a friendly hand,
Sugar – sweet as the tongue of a rogue, and
Whiskey – smooth as the wit of the land.

The Irish Encounter

1 cup of ice,
3 ounces of coconut milk,
1/3 banana,
1 ½ ounces aged rum, and
½ ounce Irish cream liquor

Mix in a blender for 15 – 20 seconds and top with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Shamrock Shooter

½ ounce Irish whiskey,
2 ounces melon liquor,
½ ounce Irish cream liquor, and
Cocktail shaker with ice

Pour all the liquids into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a shot glass.

Wherever you celebrate, remember to be smart and safe. Slainte!