Ultimate Fort Collins St. Patrick’s Day Prep Post!

I'm not Irish, and I don't drink.

So why are you listening to me for St. Patty's Day advice? Because I've been there. I've done it. And, on one of the easiest holidays to really enjoy yourself (no in-laws, no gifts, no massive meals required, not much of a costume needed), it helps to know where to go, where to park, what to eat or cook and the rest of the 411 for Fort Collins. Here it is.

5k

The Sharin' O' the Green 5k is a big one. Dave wrote about it here.

Parade

The parade is the Lucky Joe's St. Patrick's Day parade, and it is awesome. It's been a Fort Collins tradition for decades and the vibe is great. People are happy, it's kid friendly, sometimes the weather is good (should be beautiful for this weekend!)

Parking

Old Town will be packed, especially around the parade route. You can park at the garage on Mountain or Laporte. Also, street parking will be available. If you plan to walk a few blocks, it will probably make your quest for a space that much easier. The parade route starts at Walnut/Laporte, heads south on College to Magnolia, then east to Remington, where the parade turns north and then ends. Every street within throwing distance of these spots will be packed, but if you ripple out a few blocks you should be able to find parking with no problem.

Bars

When it comes to the parade and the morning festivities, you generally don't have to worry about fall down drunks tainting the children's view of this holiday. However, Old Town, a bit later that day and into the night, will probably be packed by the over-served.

Lucky Joe's is the real Irish pub in Fort Collins, so there is a line out the door all day long. Inside, it's a massive party. There will be numerous other happening spots, including the Steak Out, Trail Head and Town Pump.

Where to buy your green

The CSU Surplus store on Lake St. is super cool any time of the year. If you need a cheap green shirt, and you want one you can use during local sporting or other Colorado State events, then check them out.

Also, I saw some pretty cool looking green shirts at Walmart (below).

Food

I stopped going to Joe's for my corned beef and cabbage after a drunk spewing nonsense next to me actually included some spittle in his stream of stupidity, and it went onto my plate.

Plus, I make it better.

I've watch logical adults eat numerous pounds of my Patrick's Day feast, partly because of the flavor of the meat and partly because they just wanted a little something more to put my white sauce on.

Yes, I happen to know the perfect ratio of mayonnaise to sour cream to horseradish root that can create a white sauce that they'll talk about over the ages.

St. Patricks' Day is the perfect holiday to cook, because, really, a roast really isn't that hard to pull off. And, if your friends are mobile and drinking whiskey and beer, it will out and out make their day. It will add much needed food to their otherwise alcohol soaked stomach. And, it will be delicious.

So, enjoy my corned beef recipe (heavily inspired by recipes found on the internet and trial and error), and my white sauce recipe. Plus, this time, as a bonus (or a detriment, if you ask my wife because she is trying to lose baby weight), my new spicy, creamy horseradish sauce.

With my help, you can have more time to drink, happier revelers at your green gathering, and delicious leftovers to boot!

I'll be in the parade with my baby boy and wife, so wave if you see us!