The wearin' of the green in The Woodlands...Lorraine Richardson and Johnny Hennigan.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Sunday is St. Patrick's Day in The Woodlands and there will be no shortage of the "wearin' of the green". Regardless of ethnicity, it's the one day of the year when everyone claims they're Irish. No doubt the residents will be paintin' The Woodlands green.
Among them…the most recognizable leprechaun of them all, Johnny Hennigan, one of The Woodlands 2012 Hometown Heroes. And if he's not already a stand out kind of guy, he annually dyes his hair and beard green for the St. Baldrick's fundraiser.
Also seen sportin' the green was Lorraine Richardson who kicked off the St. Patrick's Day celebratin' with a St. Paddy's Day party at the weekly Feast of Artisans Farmers Market at The Woodlands Mall. Who couldn't miss the vivid green tutu worn fashionably with green Converse athletic shoes and knee-high socks emblazoned with shamrocks.
"We like to feature a different theme weekly to encourage people to come out and support the local farmers and artisans," said Richardson. "And all this month we're having a baby shower for the puppies and kittens at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. They brought out puppies for adoption, but if you can't adopt one, you can donate to the shelter for their wish list."
To see their 'needs and wish' lists or to fork over some green and donate online access the link provided.
And all the way from the Emerald Isle, Michael Murphy of Drury Inn of The Woodlands, will be bakin' loaves of his family recipe, Irish sweet bread.
"My mother makes it with raisins," said Murphy, "but I like to use cranberries in my bread."
Employees of the Drury Inn will have some Irish luck as they'll be the recipients of Murphy's breads.
"I always share it with friends, so I'll be takin' some of it to take to the Drury. It's my own Irish tradition," said Murphy.
The following local spots will be hostin' and toastin'.
At Genuwine, a St. Paddy's Dinner will be served up featuring corned beef, Irish roasted potatoes, and more Irish delectables.
And Painting With a Twist on Sawdust, will be doin' their part to paint the town green, with a green landscape project.
Since St. Patrick's Day falls on Sunday this year, no doubt Father Tom Rafferty, another fine ol' Irishman and the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, will be spendin' the greater part of the day in church saying masses.
"Hopefully the new pope will be coronated on St. Patrick's Day," said Father Rafferty. "Wouldn't that be great?"
That would truly be the luck of the Irish. However you choose to celebrate the day, please do so responsibly.
