Annual Paddy in the Plaza party returns dowtown

The third annual celebration of all things Irish in downtown Shreveport is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, in Festival Plaza, so naturally, it’s called Paddy in the Plaza.

“It’s just to have a good time and continue to raise funds for the projects of Downtown Shreveport Unlimited,” explained Terri Matthews, executive director of the organization.

Matthews is the person who’s in charge of fulfilling the DSU’s goal of improving the quality of life in the central business district by promoting downtown festivals, projects and events, as well as keeping an eye on what’s going on in Baton Rouge legislatively and spurring economic development.

So, it’s no wonder that having a little fun ranks high on the list of downtown to-dos. The fun begins at 3 p.m. this year and runs through 11 p.m.

“We have three local bands, and then we have the Chee Weez, which is our headliner,” Matthews said. Kicking off the entertainment will be music provided by 8-Track at 3:30 p.m. The rest of the schedule is Caravan Band at 5:30 p.m., Johnny Earthquake & the Moondogs at 7:30 p.m., with Chee Weez rounding out the music at 9 p.m. The Chee-Weez is a five-piece tribute/show band with a wide-ranging stage show that includes video walls, lights, lasers and pyro. The group’s website admits you never know what you will see but guarantees you will be entertained.

For the sports-minded, Matthews said, “We’ve got the Guinness Sports Bar, which has the big-screen TVs where you can watch March Madness and drink your green beer.”

The event’s ticket is $15 online at mudbugmadness.com, the umbrella website for DSU festivities. At the gate, the entry will be $20.

For the young set, there will be the backyard game zone featuring a life-sized Jenga, a Li’l Leprechauns’ Play Area, where Matthews says the family can enjoy playing cornhole and more, face painting and now, hair painting for that total green-influenced celebration.

There will also be a costume contest that day, so pull out those green duds, and you just might win some spendable green. All you have to do is dress in your favorite St. Patrick’s Day costume. Winners will be announced on stage at 7 p.m. First place is $100, second place is $75 and third place is $50.

For the adventurous, there will be a chance to wander around town looking for the Shamrock Treasure Hunt treasure sponsored by Margaritaville Casino & Hotel. It will take contestants through downtown Shreveport looking for the $1,000 Pot O’ Gold. The first clue will be released Sunday night on the KTAL NBC 6 newscast at 10 p.m. and on KEEL/KVKI the next morning and on social media. Clues will be given each day at those times until the treasure is found.

As usual, there will be food trucks for almost every cuisine, Irish or not, and vendors selling all sorts of items to make the celebration of St. Paddy’s feast a day to remember.

Paddy in the Plaza will be presented by Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana and brought to you by Downtown Shreveport Unlimited. DSU also manages projects downtown, such as repair and maintenance of the Riverview Hall & Theater fountain, riverfront Christmas lights and trees, and upkeep of the iconic Festival Tower and blue arches.

“We are also about to begin a mural project in downtown Shreveport,” according to Terri Mathews, executive director. “Our goal is to enhance downtown Shreveport so that people not only want to be there, but they also feel good when they are there.”

More information can be found on their events pages on Facebook and Instagram.