Got Grogg? Shamrock the night away on the harbor and throughout Destin

HarborWalk Village is going green and 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.  

Kilts and green wigs will be provided. And drink specials at bars and restaurants around HarborWalk will fuel the competition.

There’s fun and games for the wee folk too. Leprechauns will be on site to entertain, as well as stilt walkers. And arts and crafts booths will be mixed in with others offering classic Irish fare such as shepherd’s pie.

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.

“Irish spirited fun will fill HarborWalk Village on St. Patrick’s Day, “ said Jamie Marie Hall of Sage Marketing. “The party will turn the village green with drink specials, live music, Irish artists and more.”

There is also plenty of green goodness to be had in Walton County.

The Merchants of Seaside invite everyone to all things Irish during its St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Enjoy the sounds of Irish/Celtic music and to accompany the live music will be The Drake Irish Dancers of Fort Walton Beach who will be performing a variety of jigs and reels. The band Mithril will take the Seaside Amphitheater stage at 7 p.m. And keep your eye out for the leprechaun and his pot o’ gold.

30A is also getting green for the holiday — from Gulf Trace to Gulf Place.

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.

Businesses and individuals are welcome to enter the parade. All that’s required is a vehicle with a sign on the side, preferably with Irish themed décor. Parade entry forms available at www.30aparade.com, Miss Lucilles, Gulf Place, or at 30a Television offices at 32 E Co Hwy 30a Suite 200 at Grayton Corners.

The Patty partying continues elsewhere.
•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.