Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: Holy week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones: For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.