Saint Patrick's Day - Celebrating Jersey Style

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY - Paint yourself green, kiss the Blarney Stone, find a shamrock and chase the leprechaun to his pot of gold. No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's day, there are plenty of places to go to dance the Irish Jig, march in a parade, or share a pint of Guinness with friends.

Morris County's Top Ten (10) St. Patrick's Day festivities

• Morristown St. Patrick's day Parade
  Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at Noon
  Morristown Green :: Morristown, New Jersey



• International Trade Center's
  Leprechaun Leap 5K Race in Mount Olive
  Sunday, March 16th, 2008 at 1:00pm
  International Trade Center :: Mount Olive, New Jersey



• Join WDHA's Curtis Kay at The Exchange in Rockaway
  Monday, March 17th, 2008 between 2-7pm
  The Exchange :: Main Street Rockaway, New Jersey



• The Wolf Tones Concert at Morristown Community Theatre
  Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 8:00pm
  Mayo Center for the Performing Arts :: Morristown, New Jersey



• Live Irish Music at 'Grasshopper off the Green'
  Monday, March 17th, 2008 ALL DAY
  Morris Street :: Morristown, New Jersey



• American Legion Post 249's St. Patrick's dinner/dance
  Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at 7:00pm
  Beverwyck Road :: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey



• Morristown's Dublin Pub
  Come enjoy an overstuffed corned beef sandwich, Shepherd's pie, Irish meat loaf, and of course, a pint of Guinness. All Weekend.
  Pine Street :: Morristown, New Jersey



• Join Frank & Grace at Kennedy's Pub in Budd Lake
  St. Patrick's Celebration. Come enjoy live Irish music, step dancers, our famous fish & chips, Irish whiskey steak, or Sheppard's Pie. All Weekend
  Route 46 :: Budd Lake, New Jersey



• Murphy's Hideaway Irish Pub in Rockaway
  Come enjoy Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and a pint of good stout. All Weekend.
  Maple Avenue :: Rockaway, New Jersey



• Wish a very Happy Anniversary to Dan & Noelle Kehrley of Flanders NJ News. They were married on Saint Patrick's Day in 2005.

A bit'o legend 'bout ole Saint Pat
As the story is told, St. Patrick is believed to have banished snakes from the Isle of Ireland. However, there is no scientific evidence that post-glacial wildlife on Ireland ever actually including snakes.

One suggestion on the myth explains that Druids had become popularly known as The Serpents of Wisdom, using a symbol of a serpent or 'snake' like figure.

During Saint Patrick's years as a missionary, he was extremely influential among the Celtic people. It is believed he personally baptized as many as 120,000 Irishmen.

As the story was passed down from generation to generation the tale may have arisen as a metaphor of his single-handed effort in converting the Celtic people to Christianity.

Bon Venture Services Announces Contest Winners

FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY — Bon Venture Services have chosen the winners of their first annual drawing contest. Congratulations to 5 year old Michael Kane of Kingston, Pennsylvania, 6 year old Kalel Martorano of Swedesboro, New Jersey, 9 year old Michael Lewandowski of Voorhees, New Jersey, 13 year old Meagan Pessolano of Flanders, New Jersey and 15 year old Samantha DaRosa of Johnston, Rhode Island. Each winner will receive a $100 American Express Gift Check and their artwork may appear on church bulletin covers along the East Coast during the holiday season.

Bon Venture is a community-focused organization that helps new and established businesses publicize their products and services locally. While Catholic parish bulletins are the core business, Bon Venture also produces restaurant place mats as well as community and Temple newsletters. With a network of nearly 700 communities along the East Coast, Bon Venture’s individual publications enable Parishes, communities, and Temples to spread the word and connect with their supporters at no cost. After 31 years of growth and success under their belt, this family run company continues to be dedicated to building businesses and improving communities.

The children’s works of art will “deck the halls” of Bon Venture throughout this holiday season. If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by and see for yourself.

To see the winning artwork and to get more information on Bon Venture, visit www.bonventure.net.

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