This coming Saturday, March 16, is shaping up to be a huge day Downtown, with several big events running. Mudbugs in March will happen during the afternoon in Court Square. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be on Beale Street at 3:30. Elton John will perform at the FedExForum at 8. The high is predicted to be in the low 70s, so the weather looks ideal.
Odd that they’re doing the parade on Saturday when Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. I guess it’s smart for local businesses to make it a two-day celebration.
If you’re a new Memphian, make sure you see “the raising of the goat” in front of Silky’s on Beale Street. This should happen around 5 on Saturday and probably Sunday too. The deal is, there’s a goat. And they put it on a platform and elevate it. And people look at the goat and drink green beer. I have no idea what this has to do with St. Pat’s, but everyone should see it at least once. It’s a Downtown Memphis tradition.
If you’re not driving, get a Call-a-Cab daiquiri from Wet Willie’s to drink as you watch the parade.
There’s a Groupon offer going on to save money on Grizzlies tickets. You can pick club or terrace level seating for your choice of the Minnesota game (3/18), Charlotte (4/9), or Utah (4/17). You get a T-shirt too.
Looking for something quiet and low-key to do on St. Patrick’s Day? Historian Jimmy Ogle will lead a tour across the Memphis-Arkansas (I-55) bridge at 2 PM. You’ll learn a lot about the bridges, the railroads, the river, and more. Meet at Crump Park near Crump and I-55 (exit 12C).
The Peabody has announced that its rooftop party season will start a month from today, on Thursday, April 11.
Congratulations to my friend Eddie, who got his 5th plate on the wall yesterday at the Flying Saucer. That makes him a member of their exclusive Master of the Universe club. Mid-afternoon, I was standing at the bar, and Tiffany who was working his party told me, “Eddie wants to buy you a beer.” So I ordered a Dos Equis Lager.
Tiffany came back a few minutes later. “No, Eddie wants you to order a good beer on him.” So I changed my order to a glass of Chimay Cinq Cents, which they carry on draft.
Tiffany came back again. “No, Eddie wants to buy you a bottle. A big one.” So I ended up with a 25 oz. bottle of Chimay Grande Reserve, one of the most premium beers the Saucer carries! Thanks Eddie!
I’ll be out at the Saucer about 5:30 tonight, then over to the Silly Goose later in the evening, fashionably late for the Monday night poker game. With good beer and poker, Monday’s not so bad.