A St. Patrick’s Day Dance and Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 17, at the Dance Zone on Lincoln Avenue in Marquette. It is sponsored by the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University. The potluck will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dancing from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students/kids. This event is part of the Upper Peninsula Folklife Festival which is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Originally a Catholic feast day to commemorate the passing of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has become a worldwide celebration of Irish culture. The Beaumier Center created its annual celebration in 2011 as a way for families to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the food, music and dance of the Emerald Isle. People are encouraged to bring a dish to pass (though it doesn’t have to be Irish) and, of course, to wear something green. 

Traditional Irish music will be provided by Tim Clancy, Tim DeMarte and Barb Rhyneer.  Marge Sklar will offer dance lessons and instructions on traditional dances. There will also be readings of poetry and folktales about St. Patrick. For more information, call 906-227-1219.