Between the Bars

Halloween Reflections

Indeed, I have some fine memories from this weekend’s festivities.

I organized an awesome costume theme – Peanuts – for me and my friends. Our costumes turned out great! I got to relive my college house party days. I witnessed the reincarnation of Billy Mays, the Oxy Clean guy. I found Waldo, several of him, in fact. And I was hit on by a used condom.

Here's to another great Halloween, Milwaukee!

Left to right and front to back: Lucy, Marcie, Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty. Snoopy, Woodstock, Pig Pen.

Fireworks Light Up the Lakefront

One of the highlights of summer for me is Fourth of July weekend.

Yep, it’s great to have an extended weekend, but what makes the holiday extra special are the blazing fireworks that light up the pitch-black sky on July 3.

Each year Milwaukeeans are dazzled by a spectacular Independence Day celebration that’s performed one day early by Bartolotta Fireworks Company and hosted by US Bank.

Milwaukee’s US Bank fireworks show was an honored tradition for my family and I until my parents moved north to West Bend. But this year, after a four-year hiatus, I decided to relive one of my favorite pastimes.

I took the day off of work to head to Lake Michigan’s lakefront. Eric met at my place and we gathered up some last odds and ends. We figured that since we were the only two who could get out of work, we’d secure a spot early in Veterans Park and hold down the fort until the rest of our friends could get there.

See, you’d be crazy to assume that you can show up at 6 p.m. and score a place to watch the show. Already by 3 p.m. Veterans Park was brimming with thousands of families and friends, locals and visitors who were grilling out, picnicking or just relaxing as they anticipated the night’s spectacular.

From McKinley Marina to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the entire lakefront looked like one enormous camp ground as hundreds of tents and campers scattered the once bare terrain. Many of these people camped out over night and declared their seats by roping off a large plot with police tape – that got a little ridiculous, if you ask me.

Eric and I made a quick run to the grocery store to get a couple of snacks to munch on – fruits, veggies, chips – and some beer, and then picked up two #4 sandwiches at Jimmy John's on Brady Street. We filled a couple of coolers and found several blankets, and then we made the short hike to Lake Michigan to stake out our spot.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a day of waiting in the park – seasoned spectators know what I mean! You need to pack food, a cooler and something to sit on, and then navigate the city to find parking and later devise a plan for departure and a fast route home. Of course, all of that seems pretty painless when considering the meticulous planning involved in US Bank’s firework extravaganza.

Eric introduced me to SciFi's blog DVICE, which featured a post last year about Milwaukee's lakefront fireworks, which explained how it all works. To get this 50-minute show and each shooter synchronized, it takes a heck of a lot of time, patience and skill, I’m sure.

According to the site, originator Jeff Bartolotta uses a software package mainly created for pyrotechnics and to choreograph the explosive spectacle. By means of this computer program, each and every sky explosion is laid out on a time line and graphically simulated in 3D. Bartolotta doesn’t use computerized ignition though; instead, fuses are hand-lit by an impressively efficient seasonal team of about two dozen pro-pyrotechnics and volunteers equipped with flares. You can read more about the technical stuff by heading over here.

One of the highlights of summer for me is Fourth of July weekend.

Yep, it’s great to have an extended weekend, but what makes the holiday extra special are the blazing fireworks that light up the pitch-black sky on July 3.

Each year Milwaukeeans are dazzled by a spectacular Independence Day celebration that’s performed one day early by Bartolotta Fireworks Company and hosted by US Bank.

Milwaukee’s US Bank fireworks show was an honored tradition for my family and I until my parents moved north to West Bend. But this year, after a four-year hiatus, I decided to relive one of my favorite pastimes.

I took the day off of work to head to Lake Michigan’s lakefront. Eric met at my place and we gathered up some last odds and ends. We figured that since we were the only two who could get out of work, we’d secure a spot early in Veterans Park and hold down the fort until the rest of our friends could get there.

See, you’d be crazy to assume that you can show up at 6 p.m. and score a place to watch the show. Already by 3 p.m. Veterans Park was brimming with thousands of families and friends, locals and visitors who were grilling out, picnicking or just relaxing as they anticipated the night’s spectacular.

From McKinley Marina to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the entire lakefront looked like one enormous camp ground as hundreds of tents and campers scattered the once bare terrain. Many of these people camped out over night and declared their seats by roping off a large plot with police tape – that got a little ridiculous, if you ask me.

Eric and I made a quick run to the grocery store to get a couple of snacks to munch on – fruits, veggies, chips – and some beer, and then picked up two #4 sandwiches at Jimmy John's on Brady Street. We filled a couple of coolers and found several blankets, and then we made the short hike to Lake Michigan to stake out our spot.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a day of waiting in the park – seasoned spectators know what I mean! You need to pack food, a cooler and something to sit on, and then navigate the city to find parking and later devise a plan for departure and a fast route home. Of course, all of that seems pretty painless when considering the meticulous planning involved in US Bank’s firework extravaganza.

Eric introduced me to SciFi's blog DVICE, which featured a post last year about Milwaukee's lakefront fireworks, which explained how it all works. To get this 50-minute show and each shooter synchronized, it takes a heck of a lot of time, patience and skill, I’m sure.

According to the site, originator Jeff Bartolotta uses a software package mainly created for pyrotechnics and to choreograph the explosive spectacle. By means of this computer program, each and every sky explosion is laid out on a time line and graphically simulated in 3D. Bartolotta doesn’t use computerized ignition though; instead, fuses are hand-lit by an impressively efficient seasonal team of about two dozen pro-pyrotechnics and volunteers equipped with flares. You can read more about the technical stuff by heading over here.

Happy Independence Day!

I love July 4th!

Sure, I enjoy having the day off of work and I adore a fantastic display of well orchestrated pyrotechnics, but I also try to keep in mind that July 4 is more than a fun holiday centered on fireworks, food and family and friends.

Of course, the Fourth of July is a commemoration of the founding of our nation and the struggles and achievements that came along with it.

So, let’s take a moment today to remember the events that shaped this annual celebration and the importance of Independence Day to our history and future as a nation.

With that, have a fun filled and eventful Fourth of July!

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.

In Honor of Memorial Day...

What does Memorial Day stand for? A day off? The start of summer? Parades and picnics? The opening of public swimming pools? The day you can start to wear white again?

Some think that the “memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored. It seems that many of us don’t observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given their life to fight for our freedom.

As many people prepare to go to the beach or have a picnic or just spend a day at the mall, Memorial Day gets lost amid the hubbub of a long weekend and the unofficial maker of summer. While I admit that I sometimes lose sight of how lucky we are to live in a free country and to have people willingly fight for our democracy, I’ve also learned that Memorial Day’s meaning goes far beyond the three-day weekend we anticipate each year.

When I was young my parents would take us kids to the local Memorial Day parade to honor our veterans or fallen soldiers and to actively acknowledge the fact that my two grandfathers served in WWII. For the last few years, however, I haven’t made much of an effort to partake in real Memorial Day events.

That’s why this year I decided to bring the solemn meaning back to Memorial Day and turn my mind and heart to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice – not to honor war, but to honor those who died in such conflicts or war. I feel by taking an hour or so out of my extended weekend to reflect on this meaning, I’m doing what little justice I can to the day.

On Sunday, Eric and I spent nearly an hour at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, the War Memorial Center is Wisconsin’s most visible memorial that’s dedicated to the men and women who gave their lives to preserve the freedom of the United States and the world.

The Center was conceived by a group of Milwaukee women in the late years of WWII to honor everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces. According to the website, the Center’s mission is “to honor the dead by serving the living through arts and diverse cultural activities.” People who were moved by this vision began fundraising and eventually pooled together enough resources to dedicate the building in 1957.

To this day, the Center is a way to keep the veteran community’s legacies alive, ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifices that were made to afford each of us the freedoms we enjoy every day. It’s also a great way to get back to the original spirit of Memorial Day, or to just spend a few hours to reflect on any given day.

The building itself shows the architectural and cultural significance of Milwaukee at the time it was constructed. It was designed to look like a “floating cruciform with cantilevered portions” and it's considered a classic in the development of modern architecture.

I also learned that the west-facing wall of the Center was later transformed into a tribute to honor those who died in service from 1941 to 1957 and from 1950 to 1953 by a 1,440,000-piece mosaic that features Roman numerals to represent the dates of WWII and the Korean Conflict.

Eric and I went up a couple of steps and entered through the main entrance and into the gallery. On Sunday, the entire place was quiet besides the muffled sounds from activities taking place outside.

The building itself shows the architectural and cultural significance of Milwaukee at the time it was constructed. It was designed to look like a “floating cruciform with cantilevered portions” and it's considered a classic in the development of modern architecture.

I also learned that the west-facing wall of the Center was later transformed into a tribute to honor those who died in service from 1941 to 1957 and from 1950 to 1953 by a 1,440,000-piece mosaic that features Roman numerals to represent the dates of WWII and the Korean Conflict.

Eric and I went up a couple of steps and entered through the main entrance and into the gallery. On Sunday, the entire place was quiet besides the muffled sounds from activities taking place outside.

Happy Memorial Day!

Let’s all hoist a cold libation of our choice this weekend in honor of all of the heroes who make it possible.

Have a great Memorial Day! Keep it safe.

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.

Milwaukee Area Memorial Day Parades

One of the highlights of this holiday weekend is the 144rd Consecutive Memorial Day Parade, which takes place at 2 p.m. Monday in the heart of Downtown.

According to the Parade's official website, The Memorial Day Parade, which honors all veterans from all wars, is dedicated to Purple Heart recipients. This year in particular, the parade will also recognize all of the women veterans from each war, those who have previously served in the United States Armed Forces and those who currently serve. The lineup features 100 units including color guards, bands, marching units, vehicles and numerous VIP dignitaries.

The Parade will start at 4th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, proceeding east on Wisconsin Avenue to the War Memorial Center and ending at Veterans Park on the lakefront. A memorial wreath-laying ceremony, sponsored by the Milwaukee Memorial Day Parade Committee, will take place at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the War Memorial. The ceremony has been a tradition since 1886. It will take place at the Reflecting Pool on Fitch Plaza, which is on the second (bridge) level of the War Memorial.

Here is a list of other Memorial Day parades and observations around the Milwaukee area, gathered from OnMilwaukee.com.

Brookfield
Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, is hosting events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cudahy
Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Cudahy War Memorial in Sheridan Park.

Delafield
Parade begins at 1 p.m. at St. John's Military Academy on Friday, May 22.

Dousman
Parade begins at 10 a.m. leading to a flagpole ceremony at Cory Park.

Elm Grove
Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Village Park.

Fox Point
Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Bradley and Port Washington Roads, then travels east on Bradley Road to Lions Park along Lake Drive.

Genesee
Service at 1 p.m. at Town Park.

Greendale
Parade begins at Broad Street and ends at Greendale High School, 9 a.m.

Hartland
Parade begins at 10:15 a.m. at the American Legion, 231 Goodwin Ave.

Menomonee Falls
Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Harrison Avenue.

Merton
Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street and ends at Village Hall.

Mukwonago
Parade beings at 9:30 a.m. at Park View Middle School.

Oconomowoc
Parade begins at 10 a.m.

Pewaukee
Parade begins at 10 a.m.at Pewaukee High School and ends at St. Mary's church.

South Milwaukee
Parade begins at 10 a.m. at 13th Street and Manitoba Avenue and will end at the South Milwaukee War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.

St. Francis
Service begins at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Veterans Memorial, 4230 S. Nicholson Ave.

Sussex
Parade begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of HWY 74 and Waukesha Avenue and will proceed west on Main Street through Sussex to the VFW Post on Main Street.

Waukesha
Begins at Frame Park and continues west and south on Baxter Street, south on Buckley Street, west on West Main Street and south on Maple Avenue to West Park Avenue.

West Allis
Parade begins at 10 a.m. at 70th Street and proceeds west on Greenfield Ave., then south on 75th Street to National Avenue en route to Veterans Memorial Park.

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.

Happy Easter!

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.

When Everyone's Irish

I truly believe I was Irish in another life. I have an incredible affinity for all things Irish – especially Guinness.

That's why, it’s no shocker that Saturday morning I enjoyed a thick pint of ice-cold Guinness just before staking out my spot for the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Milwaukee.

Eric and I headed toward Wisconsin Avenue around 11 a.m. where we found parking easily in the Grand Avenue garage. Soon after, we merged with a mob of particularly festive revelers at Mo’s Irish Pub. The two dozen early-rising partiers were clad in kilts and silly oversized hats, and were obviously gearing up for a long day of imbibing.

After a few hearty gulps of black Irish stout, we proceeded to find a place outside to watch the parade. We grabbed a spot at the beginning, right in front of the shops of Grand Avenue, and joined the gathering of people who were already sitting curbside in folding chairs and on top of blankets. Surprisingly, it wasn’t very crowded there, so we had a great view.

The clangor of noon bells signaled the start and a sea of green soon filled the streets. Beneath bright blue skies, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade went on to delight an estimated 130 thousand spectators, folks whom no matter the surname were all Irish – at least for an hour or so.

Infinite celebrations were taking place during the parade on Water Street, Plankinton Avenue and Old World Third Street, creating a festive environment along the parade route. Some untamed groups drank Guinness from their own cooler or green beer out of plastic pints they purchased at the nearest bar. With a palpable gloss already covering their eyes, they were the folks acting a little silly, singing and dancing in the streets.

But, not everyone was in a state of drunkenness. The majority took it a little easier and simply sipped coffee from the nearby bistro while eagerly awaiting the arrival of Irish dancers, bagpipes, and merry clowns. Of course, everyone made sure to dress in a ridiculous amount of green, regardless of their state of intoxication.

While the crowd itself was pretty amusing, my favorite parts of the parade included the Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers who actually stopped to show us their moves and the Oceans of Soul Drill Team who really got the crowd moving. The Highland athletes who lugged swords bigger than baseball bats, as well as the kilted bikers from Clan Young on Harleys, and the Irish wolfhounds and setters that were decked out in green collars or shamrock adorned bandanas were also popular.

    

With over 135 units, ranging from a brigade of pipe and drum bands that supplied a festive soundtrack of familiar Irish jigs, Irish dancers whose creepy little doll wigs bounced with each skip, colorful floats that sparkled in the sunshine, and camouflage covered Marines from the Milwaukee-based Fox Company who skillfully maneuvered Humvees, there was surely something to entertain everyone on the warm late winter afternoon.

Sláinte!

For those of us at work – bummer.

But, for those of you who already have a belly stuffed with corned beef or green beer flowing through your veins, I leave you with a toast in honor of St. Patrick's Day...

May you work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
Dance like no one is watching,
And drink like a true Irishman!

Sláinte! Happy St. Patrick's Day.

No matter what you're doing today, have a good one!

Your Guide to St. Patrick's Day 2009

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, bringing a multitude of events along with it.

After perusing the web, I’ve complied a thorough list of ways to get your St. Pat's Day fix.

Sure, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until next Tuesday, March 17, but there are many pre-Patty’s Day events all week long; after all, both Milwaukeeans and Irishmen supposedly know how to party, right?

Starting today, Westown Association will host back-to-back days filled with Irish-themed entertainment at the Shops of Grand Avenue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Trinity Academy of Irish Dance will get the party started on Wednesday, March 11, while Thursday, March 12 will showcase authentic Irish and Celtic music by Ian Gould. Friday, March 13 welcomes the McMenamin Irish Dance Academy; and Saturday, March 14, brings the Celtic, bluegrass sounds of country hipsters Frogwater from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Also on Friday, March 13, the Miller Time Pub will host ShamROCK, Milwaukee’s annual St. Patrick’s Day kick-off party, beginning at 5:30 p.m. With free admission, the celebration will include exciting giveaways and raffles, Irish music by Reilly Trio and McTavish, and, of course, flowing green Miller Lite!

Then, on Saturday, March 14 beginning at noon, the 43nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence a day of even more festivities around the city! Presented by the Westown Association and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin, 170+ units, including Irish decorated floats, regional pipe and drum corps, local celebrities, and Irish dance groups will march down Wisconsin Avenue and around Plankinton, Old World Third Street, Water Street and so on, until it ends at Edison Street. For the entire parade route, click here.

After the parade, there will be many activities to keep the spirit alive and the town green.

From 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin will be hosting a family-friendly event at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. As the largest parade day celebration, non-stop entertainment will take over four stages. The wholesome event will feature music by Ian Could and Athas, Eileen O-Rourke's Leprechaun Stories, The Shamrock Club Color Guard, and numerous Irish dance groups like the Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers who will be jigging the night away.

This post-parade party is in concert with the Shamrock Club's events on March 14, including Mass in Honor of St. Patrick at St. Patrick's Church.

Plus, there are dozens of parties taking place during and after the parade at bars and restaurants in the Water Street, Plankinton Avenue and Old World Third Street entertainment districts, creating a festive environment along the parade route. Every venue will be complete with a vast selection of Irish entertainment and an abundance of turn-your-tongue-green Miller Lite – All you have to do is stumble in!

For more information on Downtown's St. Patrick’s Day Parade events and activities, head over to the event page by clicking here.

Also, on Saturday, March 14 beginning at 11:30 a.m. the Wauwatosa Historical Society presents the 18th Annual Blarney Run/Walk. For $18 in advance and $20 the day of, you can participate in either a 3.1 mile (5K) run or two-mile walk. Don’t forget to stick around afterward for refreshments and awards. Note, all proceeds go toward the preservation and educational activities involving the Wauwatosa Historical Society. For a map of the route or to register, look here.

At last, that brings us to March 17, the actual St. Patrick’s Day! Milwaukee has more than enough Eire-blooded activities going on to keep you in the green for as long as you can take it.

If you’re not into green beer and blinking shamrock necklaces, you’ll still feel like one with the Irish amid the gorgeous Pabst Theater. With their Celtic rhythms and rock ‘n’ roll influences, Gaelic Storm will be a great way to continue the day's revelry. For ticket information, head over here.

And to commemorate WMSE’s 28th Anniversary, the station plans to host 28 straight hours of local music on air beginning at midnight on St. Patrick's Day. The anniversary is also being celebrated with a special St. Patrick's Day concert at Turner Hall Ballroom featuring the rambunctious Irish revelers known as The Tossers. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $14.

Also, the St. Pat's Show with John McGivern offers entertainment for all ages at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with the Kinsella School of Irish Dance and music by Athas, followed by comedy and stories from Milwaukee’s own John McGivern. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door.

But, if you want to guzzle green beer or delicious Irish imports and party from sunrise to sunset, there are many Irish pubs serving up lots o’ Irish cheer and most will be ready to provide you with your early morning nourishment.

If you've ever been to Ireland, you know the day starts off with a hearty breakfast. Here in Milwaukee you'll find generous helpings of semi-traditional Irish foods almost everywhere you go on St. Patrick's Day.

Two years ago, my friends and I went all out and started the day at Leff's Lucky Town. Beginning at 8 a.m., a group of us met for Leff's non-traditional Irish breakfast, which included corned beef hash, green eggs and Irish coffee.

Of course, there are plenty of other Irish Pubs serving up a warm breakfast to prepare you for a long day of celebrating. This year, Trinity Three Irish Pub – Duffy’s, Foy’s and Gallagher’s – along with The Harp will open bright and early at 6 a.m. Entertainment will begin at 9 a.m. with two stages of live music along with the Trinity Irish Dancers. Food such as Irish stew, Reuben, Shepard's pie and other traditional Irish specialties will be served hot all day.

Opening at 10 a.m., Flannery's Pub plans the traditional Milwaukee Irish celebration. A specialty menu includes green beer, Irish stew, Reuben sandwiches and corn beef and cabbage. For every Miller purchase, you'll earn a letter; spell McLite and receive a free souvenir t-shirt.

Brand new to the Milwaukee bar scene, Byron's Beer Garden and Bistro opens at 10 a.m. to serve a $3.99 corn beef special, $3 pints of Guinness, $3 shots of Jameson and $3 pints of O'so Night Train.

Over on the East Side, Paddy's Pub opens its doors at 6 a.m. to get your day started with live entertainment and an authentic and hearty Irish breakfast complete with Irish bacon, bangers, black pudding, soda bread, sconces, and much more. Traditional lunch and dinner fare will also be served starting at 11 a.m.

If food isn't enough to get you out of bed that early, how about $100? The folks at Paddy's will also be giving away $100 every hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All you have to do is purchase a raffle ticket for $1 or bring in a non-perishable food item – all proceeds benefit the Hunger Task Force and the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Milwaukee's Mo’s Irish Pub will also open at 6 a.m. and will dish-up a healthy serving of traditional renditions of corned beef, live music from Cé, Another Pint, Leahy's Luck and The Orphans, as well as several performances from the McMenamin and Trinity Irish Dancers. For more information on Mo's St. Pat's Day entertainment, promotions and contests, click here.

Don’t forget, a fine pint can be found in most places around town on March 17, that is, if you can get in!

Some other Irish-themed watering holes worth a visit include Waukesha’s House of Guinness where the thick Irish stout flows like milk and honey, The Irish Pub in the Third Ward where you'll surely learn to drink like a true Irishman, Slim McGinn's where there’s always someone to make a slurry toast with, County Clare where you’ll be drinking amid the Irish, and Milwaukee's newest Irish transplant Brochach – my personal favorite. Of course, you can always take a look at OnMilwaukee's Irish Pub Guide to find more places where bartenders speak in sweet brogues and drunks quote Keats.

There are also some St. Patty’s Day events where the wearing o’ the green is a must:

Go green at Sprecher Brewing Company with a growler of Irish Stout or any of your favorite Sprecher beverages. Brewery tours are available at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., but reservations are required. If you arrive early, you could score a free plate of corned beef while supplies last. Doors open at 11 a.m.

If you can’t pick just one bar to monopolize your time, there are St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawls all over the Milwaukee area. So, don your favorite green T-shirt and get ready for the best Tuesday ever! Check out these Miller Lite St. Patty's Day Pub Crawls:

• Downtown Hartford Pub Crawl
  Stop at Hammerin Hanks, Bank Shot, Hank & Hannah’s and The Pour House. Enjoy Miller Lite specials and enter to win tickets to see the Milwaukee Bucks in the new Miller Lite Home Court section.
• Germantown Pub Crawl
  Enjoy 20-ounce tappers of green Miller Lite for just $3 at Barley Pop, Snappers, Sportzone, Sportscorner, Bubs, Doctors, Toms Kuhburg Junction and Ivees
• Pike Lake Pub Crawl to Erin
  Take the "Safe Ride" shuttle to and from The Erin Inn, Noey's, Guerndts, St Lawrence C-Way, Hook Line & Sinker, Pike Lake House Inn and The Reef Point. Enjoy Miller Lite specials and enter to win tickets to see the Milwaukee Bucks in the new Miller Lite Home Court section.

Remember if you’re planning on sampling Irish brews, shooting whiskeys or slamming Milwaukee’s favorite green beer next Tuesday, please consider alternative transportation or take advantage of the Miller Free Rides program, which offers free Milwaukee County Transit bus rides after 6 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day. Find out more about Miller Free Rides online or by calling 1-800-FREE RIDES.

With that, have a fun and safe St. Patty’s Day, everyone!

**If you hear of any other St. Patrick's Day events, please spread the word in the comments section. Meanwhile, I'll continually update this list as I find more information.

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.

• Downtown Hartford Pub Crawl
  Stop at Hammerin Hanks, Bank Shot, Hank & Hannah’s and The Pour House. Enjoy Miller Lite specials and enter to win tickets to see the Milwaukee Bucks in the new Miller Lite Home Court section.
• Germantown Pub Crawl
  Enjoy 20-ounce tappers of green Miller Lite for just $3 at Barley Pop, Snappers, Sportzone, Sportscorner, Bubs, Doctors, Toms Kuhburg Junction and Ivees
• Pike Lake Pub Crawl to Erin
  Take the "Safe Ride" shuttle to and from The Erin Inn, Noey's, Guerndts, St Lawrence C-Way, Hook Line & Sinker, Pike Lake House Inn and The Reef Point. Enjoy Miller Lite specials and enter to win tickets to see the Milwaukee Bucks in the new Miller Lite Home Court section.