When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

We made it through the weekend. Sara, Sean and Mike left this morning heading back home. They came into town on Friday for the weekend festivities. We had dinner at my sisters Friday to help my mother celebrate her 90th birthday. Saturday was the Albany St. Patrick's day parade. Sean, Mike, Jack and myself, all kilted, met at the Albany Hibernian Center for a few pre parade pints. Soon it was onto the bus and off to the parade route. The weather could not have been better. Sunny, warm, unlike two years ago when the parade was postponed a week because of snow. Central Ave was lined in green clad people all the way to the end of the route. At the end of the parade we met up with Sara and Sam and a few of Sam's friends for the post parade activities. After a couple of hours in a Pearl St. bar we hailed a cap over to the Hibernians. Around eight, Jack and I headed north while the rest went to Sam's place.

Sunday we held our fifth annual Family Festival. Each year the Saratoga Hibernians try to give a sampling of Irish culture in a setting were you can bring your families. This year was a smashing success. The biggest problem we had all day was we needed to set up more tables. Now that's the kind of problem you want. We held the party at the Saratoga/Wilton Elks and I can't thank them enough for their hospitality. The Elk's had food and drink available so no one left hungry. The party is an example of many people helping out and having a good time. Here is a photo album from the day, courtesy of John Cromie http://picasaweb.google.com/saratogairish/FamilyFestival#
The entertainment for the day included The Pan Celtic session players, the Wild Irish Acres Dancers, and a trio of Pipers, well two pipers and a drummer. The day could not have been as much fun without the people that came and I thank you all. It was good to see the familiar faces and some that we haven't seen for a while. Mark your calendar for next years party it only gets better and better.
I'm resting today because tomorrow I am off to New York City to march in the Parade. I will let you know all about it. So till then have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day.