2008 Woodie Awards
Coloring the world green
From the streets of Ireland to the river of Chicago
Ali Carlson
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Feature
Whether an individual is of Irish heritage or not, many still celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the United States as well as other parts of the world from watching Lake Michigan turn emerald green to sitting at the same table with family and friends to celebrate.
On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Families gather together and prepare a meal. A typical meal on St. Patrick's Day consists of cabbage and bacon.
Although her family does not prepare a traditional Irish meal at home, one Kirkwood Community College student has her own reason for celebrating.
Katie Gibbs, public relations major, said her great grandparents came from Ireland and went through many hardships during their travels.
She stated, "I feel pride knowing how strong they were."
On St. Patrick's Day Gibbs said she goes to Iowa City to celebrate her heritage with family and friends.
Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds within the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Russia and many other countries far from Ireland. One way people celebrate is by participating in community-sponsored events.
"For years I ran in the Gallic Gallop 10K road race on St. Patrick's Day in Dyersville," said LeRoy Barnhart, math instructor at Kirkwood.
Jason Seals, English instructor, stated, "When I think of St. Patrick's Day, I think of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago dyed bright green. " The green color of the the Lake is made by spreading 40-pounds of orange dye into the river. The dye and water colors result in a shade of emerald green.
In modern day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world.
Last year, close to one million individuals took part in Ireland's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows and shows.
Local citizens will have the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17 by watching the annual parade at 1 p.m. in downtown Cedar Rapids.
On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Families gather together and prepare a meal. A typical meal on St. Patrick's Day consists of cabbage and bacon.
Although her family does not prepare a traditional Irish meal at home, one Kirkwood Community College student has her own reason for celebrating.
Katie Gibbs, public relations major, said her great grandparents came from Ireland and went through many hardships during their travels.
She stated, "I feel pride knowing how strong they were."
On St. Patrick's Day Gibbs said she goes to Iowa City to celebrate her heritage with family and friends.
Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds within the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Russia and many other countries far from Ireland. One way people celebrate is by participating in community-sponsored events.
"For years I ran in the Gallic Gallop 10K road race on St. Patrick's Day in Dyersville," said LeRoy Barnhart, math instructor at Kirkwood.
Jason Seals, English instructor, stated, "When I think of St. Patrick's Day, I think of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago dyed bright green. " The green color of the the Lake is made by spreading 40-pounds of orange dye into the river. The dye and water colors result in a shade of emerald green.
In modern day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world.
Last year, close to one million individuals took part in Ireland's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows and shows.
Local citizens will have the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17 by watching the annual parade at 1 p.m. in downtown Cedar Rapids.
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