Seaside's Green Day: Experience St. Patty's Day on 30A — and beyond

The town of Seaside is turning on the green March 17 as it embraces and celebrates all things Irish.

Event producer Adam Shiland is bringing in two stellar teams of performers to captivate and enthrall audiences during the town’s second annual Shamrocks in the Square.

The Drake Irish Dancers of Fort Walton Beach kicks off the event at 6 p.m., and the band Mithril will take the Seaside Amphitheater stage at 7 p.m.

The festivities continue with Mithril coming onstage at 7 p.m. Hailing from Mobile, Mithril is becoming one of the most sought after Celtic/world music groups on the concert series scene. The band’s unique progressive style has its roots in traditional Celtic music but moves beyond that, weaving such diverse influences as traditional American folk, classical, and Middle Eastern melodies into its full tapestry of sound. Mithril takes audiences on an exotic musical journey to Ireland, Scotland, and beyond, performing Celtic music that pushes into American folk, classical, rock and world music territory with a fun and free spirit. 

During the three-hour performance, attendees might see a leprechaun roaming around with a pot o’ gold.

Also during the performance, some Seaside merchants will be offering "green" libations in celebration of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Alongside his green beer, Chef Jim Shirley of Great Southern Café will offer the "best corned beef this side of Dublin," he said.

Shamrocks in the Square is a free family-friendly event, open to the public, and brought to the stage by The Merchants of Seaside. Seating at the amphitheater is open air. Bring a chair or blanket.

For more information, visit www.seasidefl.com or call 850- 231-5424.

There is plenty of green goodness going on elsewhere in Walton County.

The 3rd annual 30A St. Patrick’s Parade is slated for Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m. This year, the parade has a new route, with gathering near Gulf Trace on the north side of 30A, proceeding westbound to end at Gulf Place.

The “Best Parade Entry” judges table will be in front of Johnny McTighes, where Stinky’s Fishcamp hope to repeat last years win, and take home the perpetual trophy. At Gulf Place, the 23 Highlanders Bag Pipers, Irish Dancers, a leprechaun hunt for kids, along with live bands and Irish Music will set the scene from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

You can also roll in the green at the Destin harbor. HarborWalk Village is giving visitors a chance to “Get Lucky” on St. Patrick’s Day.

The celebration will start on March 13 with Grogg Games and an Irish Street Festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring live Irish music, authentic bag pipers, dancers, Irish food and a wide selection of Irish beers and cocktails. And for those who are feeling lucky, The second annual Grogg Games will challenge participants with Irish kilt boxing, Dublin-style jousting, whiskey barrel races and more. 

The green party continues on March 17 when The “Get Lucky” Grogg March will rock its way down the harbor at 4 p.m. Hundreds of marchers will let the Irish brews flow as they make six stops throughout the village. From Irish Karaoke to Blarney Stone Kissing, each “Grogg Marcher” is encouraged to show his or her Irish spirit, and prizes will be awarded to the most creative. And at 8 p.m., sexy leprechauns will compete for the hottest “Get Lucky” jeans on the harbor.

The Paddy partying continues along Highway 98.

•The Village of Baytowne Wharf will celebrate the luck of the Irish with Henri’s Notions providing traditional Celtic music in the events plaza from 6-9 p.m.

•McGuire’s Irish Pub could be standing room only by 5 p.m.

•Johnny O’Quigley’s Restaurant and Sports Bar will offer Irish drink specials.