Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Here are some events to check out around Greater Gardner

GARDNER ― Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day, or so the saying goes. And, even if you're not Irish, it's a great excuse to drink green beer with friends.

For whatever reason you are celebrating the holiday, here are a few events celebrating Irish heritage and the cultural significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Diocese of Worcester has granted a dispensation allowing Catholics to eat meat on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, which falls on a Friday this year. Taste of Home has a recipe for corned beef and cabbage with a horseradish sauce for those who are looking to make their own.

Irish step dance performances

After a three-year hiatus, the Anne O'Connell Irish dance group is performing a traditional step dance at the Gardner Museum at 28 Pearl St. on Thursday, March 16. The reception begins at 6 p.m. and the demonstration begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required to attend the event. To reserve a seat, contact the Gardner Museum at info@gardnermuseuminc.com or call 978-632-3277.

If you aren't able to reserve a seat at the Gardner Museum demonstration, don't worry because Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham is hosting a performance by the Flying Irish Dance Troupe on Thursday March 16 at 6:30 p.m. To reserve a seat, visit the Stevens Memorial Library event calendar and click on the yellow Register button.

St. Paddy's Day activities for children

The Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham has planned a St. Paddy-themed craft program for children. On Wednesday, March 15, starting at 3 p.m., kids of all ages can build a leprechaun trap out of the several supplies provided by the library staff.

Supplies are limited so registering for the program is required. Visit the Stevens Memorial Library event calendar and click on the yellow Register button.

Leominster Public Library at 30 West St. announced a St. Patrick-themed program for children between the ages of 3 and 6. The program is called "Lucky Leprechauns!" and it includes a reading of "The Littlest Leprechaun" by Brandi Dougherty, and afterwards the children can participate in a rainbow craft.

There are only 30 spaces available and registration for the event opened on Monday. March 6. Visit the library's website at leominsterlibrary.org to reserve a spot.

Live music and green drinks

The Eagles 747 club is hosting a live music show at 71 City Hall Ave. on Saturday, March 18 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend. The Sudbury-based cover rock band, Stir Crazy, is playing hits from the '70s to today. Doors open at 8 p.m. and all are welcome to join.

The bartenders at The Angler Fish Market & Chowder Co. Inc have hand-crafted four St. Patrick Day-themed cocktails. The four green dyed margarita cocktails come in Peach Melon, Sour Apple, Strawberry Kiwi, and a green House margarita. All month, customers can order all four drinks in a margarita flight. The restaurant is located at 1 Village Square, Westminster.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: St. Patrick's Day events like Irish step dancing at Gardner Museum