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By Cathy-Walton Smith " Grand County pulls out the stops for St. Patty’s Day

Cathy-Walton Smith / View from the Lake
Grand Lake, Colorado

It seems that St. Patrick’s Day is more celebrated in America than in Ireland. It’s the perfect holiday for us, whether there’s Irish blood in our veins or not. Just mix up any combination of the following: green clothing, parades, Irish blessings and toasts, fiddle music … add green beer or Irish whiskey … and let the fun begin. With the big day falling on Tuesday this year, expect a full week of festivities.

Grand County’s favorite Irish band, Claddagh, will include Thursday night at the Circle H in it’s week long schedule of shows. Every week, this venue for performance and fine art has been such a treat. This week’s artist, Bruce Janssen, photographer, has been at C Lazy U for many years. Ken says at least he has been there through three different owners.  For a preview, check out his Web site at  http://www.photographsbybrucejanssen.ifp3.com. Owner April Lang is working on some special things to help the Irish and friends to celebrate. Check out the Claddagh Web site at http://www.irishbandcladdagh.com.

Continued reports on the first signs of spring have come in this week. Seen last Thursday by Eddie Norby, and again on Friday by Lauren Gompertz, “a little lady bluebird,” she said.



The Grand Lake Women’s Club will meet Thursday, the 19th, at the Fire Station at 1 p.m. Sonja Albin with the Child Advocate Program in Grand County will be the guest speaker. All women are welcome.

Constance Robertson is starting a Duplicate Bridge group in Grand Lake on Thursday nights, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the fire station. All bridge players are welcome. Call Constance at 970-655-7662. The first session is this Thursday, the 19th. Please use the back door to enter the building.  People should bring their own refreshments, no alcohol allowed.



The K.O.L.E. fundraiser is March 19, at the Rapids from 5-8 p.m. with a $15 tax deductible donation for dinner. Call the Rapids for reservations, (970) 627-3707. All of the proceeds go directly to the K.O.L.E. fund. The Volunteer Firefighters contribute by bussing tables, doing dishes, etc.

What is the KOLE fund? Kevin’s Outreach for Local Emergencies fund for full time local residents in Grand County that have cancer. If you have any questions contact Mindy Everhart, Grand Lake Fire Protection District, (970) 627-8428 meverhart@grandlakefire.org.

On Saturday, March 21, plan to join the Grand Opening celebration of the newly renovated Grand Arts Center on Park Ave. in Grand Lake, admission is FREE. Festivities begin at 6:45 p.m. with facility tours, silent auction, door prizes, food, libations, and a free concert. An Original Americana Hootenanny! Kort McCumber knows, writes, plays, and sings good songs ” steeped in tradition, honed over a musical lifetime and brought to life in the present. Americana at its best, equal parts folk, country blues and bluegrass with a healthy dose of something fresh. Good songs well rendered. You don’t want to miss this one. The auction will feature all local artists and their art. Please call me at 531-3055 if you would like to contribute your work or make a donation.

The 5th graders at Grand Lake Elementary are raising money for their Camp High Trails Educational field trip. They are hosting a spaghetti dinner/silent auction at school on Thursday, March 26th. There are two seating times, 5:30pm and 6:45pm. You can purchase tickets from any 5th grader. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Please come and enjoy a fun community event and support our 5th graders. The 5th graders thank you.

Saturday, March 28, celebrate the release of Peggy Mann’s new CD at the Grand Lake Community House at 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the Grand Lake Art Gallery. Be sure to purchase in advance as seating is limited. Be one of the first to own her new CD.

Cabin Fever Follies is coming up in April. Don’t be a shrinking violet. Work up your act and make sure you appear in this local talent show put on in Grand Lake by the Grand Arts Council. If you want to be one of the acts please contact Jan Sears at 887-0339 or Linda Carlson at 627-3895 right away. The show time is limited and you don’t want to be left out. The show is April 25th so you need to start practicing now. You may also purchase an ad in the program. Contact Schelly Olson at 720-371-9358.

“May the road rise up to greet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon the leaves. And until we meet again may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.” Happy St. Patty’s Day.


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