No Blarney

Ever since I was a little girl I was entranced by the magical whimsy of St. Patrick's Day. All of the green, knowing not to forget to wear it because no one likes to be pinched. The silly little leprechauns who have a fascination for gold which they like to steal, and have been known to be very tricky. I love the music,

how it beckons my soul and takes me to a far away place that my spirit knows. The outfits, or should I say the kilts (love kilts) the food (recipe below), and the Irish dancers. I recall watching the river dance when I was a tween and was just mesmerized by their feet--love, love, love Irish dancing!

About two years ago my daughters got the lovely opportunity to get a chance to dance with our very own local Irish dancing group, also known as Dannsairean Irish Dance--such an amazing cultural opportunity for our little girls and boys. I really appreciate their foundation “Enriching Lives and The Community Through Dance”. Not only did we get to dance at the Celtic Fair and St. Patrick's parade last year, but we also got to share a common fondness of music, dance, and children with our retired community. The dance instructor, Rebekah, works with ages 3 to 18 years old. The little ones learn with their ghillies, and then they move into the hard shoe. If you have ever heard hard shoe Irish dancing you know exactly what I am referring to. Just in case you may have missed the festivities downtown last year, you can catch a glimpse of their jig at the Celtic Fair Saturday, March 16th. They will be performing at 10:30 a.m., and again at 1:30 p.m.

Dannsairean has performed throughout our community for our seniors, corporate parties, Saturday Live, Highland Games, Halftime Sporting Events, Cast for Recovery (Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Billings Clinic) as well as the An Ri Ra (Butte, MT

Irish Festival) alongside top Irish performers. They will be doing a spirited demonstration for a Billings Catholic School the week after St.Patrick's Day. It is an amazing community based dance group that is committed to enriching the community through dance, and sharing the joyful Irish spirit. Dannsairean Irish Dance started in Billings in 2003. Find out more about them at www.dannsairean.org.

Whether you are Irish, think you are Irish, or Irish for only a day, The Celtic fair is full of fun, food, and festivities--no blarney about that! The 32nd Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and the Celtic Fair will take place from 10:30-2:00. If you have time to think ahead, you could make this delicious Irish soda bread to pack for a satisfying festive snack!

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

3 cups flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 beaten egg

2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup melted butter

To Make

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Spray non stick spray on a pan.

Combine dry ingredients, mix well, and set aside.

Blend egg and buttermilk.

Add dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture together.

Mix butter into the batter.

Combine well , pour in prepared pan.

I added green shamrock sprinkles on top, because I love sprinkles!

Bake for about an hour or until golden, and toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cover and set overnight for best flavor!

Rath Dé ort!