There’s an old Irish proverb…
May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going, and the insight to make it Altoona.
…or something along those lines.
While the Des Moines St. Patrick’s Day Parade is canceled this year—along with many other local events due to COVID-19—there are still plenty of ways for you and your family to celebrate all things Irish in Altoona, Iowa!
Throw on something green, grab a Guinness, and join us for a rundown of four awesome ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Altoona.
#1: Treat the Kids to a Leprechaun Hunt
As everyone knows, leprechauns tend to let down their guard around St. Patrick’s Day. (I mean, don’t we all?) And, if you find the right one, they just might lead you to their pot of gold!
Provided by the Altoona Public Library, the Lucky Leprechaun Game includes a fun, family-friendly activity and craft your kids can enjoy at home. The best part? It’s totally free. Pick up a kit on Tuesday, March 16th from 11AM-5:30PM at the Grab-n-Go cart by the south entrance. Note: Please wear a mask when entering the Library.
Get more details about the Altoona Public Library’s free Leprechaun Hunt here.
#2: Picnic at a Local Park
St. Patrick’s Day is all about getting outside and enjoying hearty food and good company. Don’t want to dine in this year? No problem! Just grab some takeout from one of Altoona’s incredible restaurants—from teriyaki pork at Nomi’s Asian Cuisine to Burger Shed’s famous farmhouse burger—and head to a local park.
Here in Altoona, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to picnic. If you want a few ideas, take a look at our Mayor’s top three picks!
#3: Hit the Green
With an 18-hole championship course, a state-of-the-art driving range and a short-game practice area, Terrace Hills is the perfect spot for some outdoor fun on St. Paddy’s day. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even hit a hole in one.
#4: Go for a (Real) Pot O’ Gold
Feel like you have the luck of the Irish? Head to Prairie Meadows for this month’s $25,000 Pot O’ Gold Cash Drawings. Every Wednesday, ten winners will receive big cash prizes in a drawing at the Finish Line Show Lounge. You can receive complimentary entry just by swiping your rewards card at any kiosk on Level 2 from now through Wednesday, March 31st. Learn all the rules & details about the Pot O’ Gold Drawings here!
How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Altoona? Is there something we missed? Post all your local St. Paddy’s Day ideas in the comment section on social!