There are many festivities in the Auburn-Opelika area for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. One can join the Leprechaun Hunt Hike at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, race in Kappa Delta’s Shamrock 5K Run or soak in the lively atmosphere at the Irish Bred Pub in Opelika.
According to Haleigh Thorton, creator and facilitator of the Leprechaun Hunt Hike, this year marks the third hunt for KPNC. The hunt will take place on March 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The entire guided hike is designed around engaging STEM activities that feature different spots around our beautiful forest. You can expect science experiments by the waterfall and in the skunk kitchen as well as two different craft stations," Thorton said.
There are five stops in total, each lasting around five minutes. Adding to the magic, the Celtic Traditions Irish dancers will perform around the leprechauns.
“Each year, fairies share their home in the KPNC fairy forest with the leprechauns. Here, you’ll be able to visit with the fairies, leprechauns and find a tasty treat at the end of the rainbow," Thorton said.
Maggie McBride, event coordinator at the Irish Bred Pub, shared details about the St. Patrick’s Day festivities happening on Saturday, March 15.
“There are going to be Irish cocktails, corned beef and cabbage all day long," McBride said.
The tradition of corned beef and cabbage has roots in Irish history and its evolution through immigration. When Irish immigrants first arrived in the United States, they found that beef was more affordable than pork. In Ireland, pork was more typically more accessible and was often simmered with cabbage for a hearty meal.
“At 5 and 6 p.m., the Dublin Loft is open. At 5:30 p.m., there is the annual Celtic Traditions Irish dance," McBride added.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their best green attire and join in the “merriment.”
Eliza Gregory, marketing major and president of Kappa Delta, proudly puts on green every year for the Shamrock 5K Run.
The run is set to take place on April 12, starting at 8 a.m.
“The purpose of the Shamrock 5K is to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America and to locally support Special Deliveries of Lee County," Gregory said.
She noted that the Shamrock Project is a national Kappa Delta initiative in which both current and alumni members raise funds for child abuse prevention organizations at both the national and local levels.
On race day, course marshals will be stationed throughout the route to guide runners along the designated course.
“We will have music, granola bars, noisemakers and our very own Aubie will make an appearance,” Gregory said.
The course will begin at the intersection of West Thach and Wire Road, looping around the R.O. parking lot toward the South Donahue dorms.
“Then it goes by the library, down the concourse, to Momma G’s, past Sigma Nu, and then right back to the parking lot," Gregory said.
The event is open to all ages and fitness levels.
“You don’t need to be a runner. Plenty of people choose to walk and talk,” Gregory said.
Students can register at a discounted rate using the code “student15” at checkout, while race day registrations will increase from $35 to $60.
For those unable to participate in the race, donations and sponsorships are available through the event website. Supporters can also order a PR shirt, which will be available for pickup on Friday, April 12, in the Kappa Delta chapter room from 2 to 4 p.m.
From festive hikes and charity runs to classic Irish fare, Auburn and Opelika have plenty of ways for everyone to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
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