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Get Your Green On! 5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Heather Butterworth
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Chantal Johnson
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s an excuse to party and break out your green nail polish (even if you’re as Irish as Harrisonburg weather is consistent). This year, March 17th falls on a Saturday, so you don’t even have to feel guilty about not studying for that big anatomy exam on Monday. Here’s how to make the most of the holiday!
 
1. Do Downtown 

Hit up Dave’s Taverna or Jack Brown’s to get your fill of Irish staples (meatloaf, anyone?) and — if you’re legal — green beer. Since downtown is known for its St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls, why not scope out the scene with some friends? Who knows, a hot guy may even try his luck and ask you to dance! 

 
2.  Old-Fashioned Irish
 
If you’re more of the traditional type and don’t like the party scene, head over to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum to listen to a piper, authentic bagpipes and the Celtic fiddle.

Bring a blanket and some friends to the main lawn from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. to celebrate in an authentic way — for free! If you’re interested in feeling fancy, there’s a pricey ($35) three-course meal being served at the Arboretum after the performances. But if that’s too steep (hey, this is a recession) E-hall and D-hall will be serving some potato favorites. 
 
3. Bowl…And Be a Good Person!
 

Grab your suitemates and raise some money for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Teams of up to five people are asked to raise $40 to bowl at Valley Lanes, so that more kids can be paired up with a life-changing mentor. It’s not exactly Irish, but you’ll make lasting memories while helping Littles who are faced with hardships. Just register by calling 540-433-8886 (or by visiting their website), and be sure to wear your cutest green attire! 

 
4. Make Your Own Lucky Charm
 
If you’re addicted to Pinterest, you know it’s a great way to stumble across adorable crafts you’d never have thought of otherwise. The site has super cute shamrock jewelry and delicious-looking Leprechaun cake pops. Make an Irish-inspired barrette for your hair or decorate your living space with little pots of gold. If you’re a wannabe Top Chef (and who isn’t?), why not treat yourself to a delicious meal? Check out Pinterest’s recipes and try your hand at making Shepherd’s Pie or corned beef.

5. Go Green

Embrace the green theme this holiday and show the environment some love. Go for a Walmart run to get a plant for your dorm room, or finally take out that overflowing recycling bag. Replace your desk lamp’s light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Bring your reusable water bottle to UREC instead of buying a smoothie every time (even if they are pretty delicious). The little things can really add up! 
 
Whatever you do on St. Patrick’s Day, have a great time, and remember to wear green!
 
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Chantal Johnson is a senior at James Madison University, studying Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Digital Video and Cinema. Aside from Her Campus JMU, she is involved with University Program Board. Chantal loves hanging out with her friends, listening to her "feel good" playlist on her iPod, or just curling up with a really good book in her spare time. Chantal loves her hometown, Roanoke,Virginia, but can't wait to graduate and explore her opportunities around the world! Within the next 10 years, Chantal's dream job would be becoming "the next Shonda Rhimes"!