St. Patrick鈥檚 Day means wearing green, music, dancing and having a pint. At a pub in Great Falls, Virginia, it also means celebrating a major milestone.
The is marking its 45th anniversary with its annual St. Patrick鈥檚 Day festival, drawing generations of customers for a celebration centered on tradition and community.
Glasses overflowed with Guinness as guitars and Irish tin whistles echoed through the pub and Irish dancers took to the floor. The Old Brogue first opened in 1981 and has long served as a gathering place for the Great Falls community.
鈥淵ep, 45 years 鈥� 1981. It’s been kind of the living room of Great Falls ever since,鈥� owner Colin Malone said.
Malone, who took over the pub four years ago, said the meaning of the space goes far beyond food and drink.
鈥淲e have marriages that have happened and begun, and proposals and children that have grown up going here that are now employees,鈥� he said.
Live Irish music is a constant throughout the celebration. Chris Brunner, a guitarist with the band said playing at The Old Brogue is part of what makes the day special.
鈥淧laying Irish music at an Irish pub 鈥� doesn鈥檛 get much better,鈥� Brunner said.
For many families, St. Patrick鈥檚 Day at The Old Brogue is a tradition that spans generations.
Theresa Somerville, a Sterling resident, showed up with her 95-year-old parents.
鈥淭he Irish Brogue has been part of our family for as long as I can remember,鈥� Somerville said.
Kathy Huycke, from Aldie, Virginia, said the tradition is worth taking time off work for.
鈥淲e take work off because it鈥檚 St. Patrick鈥檚 Day!” Huycke said. “We鈥檙e out having a good time today.”
Others said the importance of the pub stretches far beyond one holiday.
Rich Curd, a longtime pub regular who lives in Great Falls, said it has been a year-round meeting place for decades.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just on St. Patty鈥檚 Day, it鈥檚 every day,” Curd said. “People come in to meet their friends.”
Malone, the pub owner, said that sense of connection is what defines The Old Brogue and has kept it thriving for more than four decades.
鈥淧eople almost feel an ownership of it,鈥� he said.
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