Joey Abrams ’23

Chief News Editor

Boasting a loud and proud Irish student population, the College of the Holy Cross campus will be full of green throughout the week as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. Whether you’re breaking a sweat during a zumba class or fighting alongside friends at CAB’s Tournament of Champions on Friday night, there are plenty of creative and exciting (and safe) ways to celebrate the holiday on the Hill.

For thousands of years, Irish people have celebrated the life of beloved Saint Patrick, one of the foremost patron saints of Ireland. Traditional celebrations include parades, rocking the signature shamrock on a cheek or ear, and donning a green outfit to mix in with the pool of others. Over the years, Holy Cross students have found specific reverence for the holiday as a way to celebrate their Irish heritage and engage in a bit of post-spring break fun.

Yet, just this week, Holy Cross Dining Services issued a warning for those students who plan to spend the holiday and the weekend engaging in some of the holiday’s 21+ festivities. In order to ensure safety and proper behavior, there will be no guest swipes allowed, no backpacks allowed in Kimball dining hall, and no reusable bottles allowed starting at 4:30 on Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18. Over the weekend, these policies will be in place at dining halls from opening to closing hours. The email from Dining Services concluded with a reminder, stating: “Please remember the student code of conduct.”

 Thus, in the spirit of safe celebration, the Office of Student Wellness has compiled a thorough list of all the weekend’s St. Patrick’s day festivities. The Campus Activity Board’s Tournament of Champions kicks off Friday night at Crossroads, where attendees can compete in corn hole, pool, and Mariokart (among others) for prizes. Pizza will be served as well. That same night, seniors can attend the bittersweet “100 Days Ball,” a tradition created to mark 100 days until Commencement. 

Saturday brings a day of food and fun with food trucks occupying the Hoval from 12:00-4:00 p.m., providing Friskies fries, Dogfather hot dogs, and Bird’s Nest Italian street eats. Students can also head over to the Jo at this time for some friendly three-on-three basketball tournaments. 

Rounding out the night is the Substance Free visit to Level 99, an exhilarating escape room and mental challenge (no admission fare needed). Students who plan to stay on campus can enjoy two hours of leisurely skating at Hart, where skates can be brought or borrowed. Check myHC to register for any of these events!

Whatever it is that you choose to do to celebrate this weekend, enjoy! Be sure to rock your best green outfit and show some Irish pride responsibly!