St. Patty's Celebrations turning Fargo-Moorhead green

Fargo-Moorhead is turning green this weekend for St. Patrick's Day.

Much of the festivities are happening within a few blocks of downtown.

A kids run will kick things off near the Fercho YMCA at 12:45 p.m., with a 5K and 10K run to follow.

A parade starts marching up Broadway after that.

And you'll find a pub crawl and other events at some popular watering holes.

In an area known for its Scandinavian heritage, even the Hjemkomst is hosting a Celtic Festival.

And you'll find everyone's at least a little Irish this weekend.

F-M St. Patrick's Day Parade Chairman Brian Quigley says, "We just want to have some fun and march on."

In downtown Fargo, bars and pubs are wearing their lucky shamrocks for a Saturday pub crawl.

On Friday some were already marching down Broadway a week before St. Patrick's Day.

A few of the parade organizers have been posting signs and hanging flags for two decades.

Saturday, the 21st annual Fargo-Moorhead St. Patrick's Day Parade will breeze by with more than 85 different groups.

"It's not just an Irish festival, it's a celebration of spring, too," Quigley said.

The parade will go on even if it doesn't feel spring-like.

Last year's 70-degree celebration brought out 7,000 paradegoers in shorts and sunglasses.

This year might be 40-50 degrees cooler, but dedicated marchers know it could be worse.

"In '97-'98 it was 6 below the morning of the parade and I think it was zero when we started marching," Quigley said.

You'll also find dedication this year indoors.

Luna Fargo head chef Ryan Nitschke has been brining all 45 pounds of this corned beef for 12 days.

"Typically you would boil the corned beef, whereas pastrami you would roast. But I'm going to be roasting this overnight instead of boiling them. I think it retains more of that nice, salty goodness," Nitschke said.

Friday, he's rubbing the meat with the signature seasoning.

"All that extra fat just gives it extra flavor, you know."

The big cuts will feed crowds at a Drekker Brewing Company brunch Saturday.

Luna workers are prepping for the meal the night before and the corned beef will roast overnight.

Nitschke: "I'll put it in when we close tonight around 9, 9:30, and then probably til 7, 8 in the morning," Nitschke said.

It's a night of work before a day of celebration.

EMTs are reminding everyone to dress for the weather Saturday.

Police are urging you to plan ahead for a safe ride home if you're planning to drink.

Here's more information about the events around the metro:

• Lake Agassiz Pacers St. Patrick's Day Runs: https://www.solemotionrace.com/st-patricks-day-5k

• Fargo-Moorhead St. Patrick's Day Parade: fmstpats.com/

• Celtic Festival at the Hjemkomst Center: www.fargoparks.com/events/details.html?pid=34

• St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: https://www.facebook.com/events/411156992564673/

• St. Paddy's Day Brunch at the Brewery: https://www.facebook.com/events/1646634165646430/