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 March 17, the one day of the year where everyone gets to be Irish. Making your way to the city’s birthplace, the ByWard Market, is a must to celebrate the festive occasion.
In the early 19th century, Lt. Col. John By was commissioned to build the Rideau Canal, along with his Irish immigrant labourers. Due to its proximity to the canal construction, Lowertown (now known as the ByWard Market), became home to this Irish population.
After the canal was completed, job competition peaked, reviving old animosities with the French, English, Catholic and Protesatant Irish.
The violence went from street fights and bar brawls to a series of assaults and murders in 1837.
The violence then shifted to Canadian politics. The Englishmen in Uppertown (now Centretown) were Tories while the French and Irish were Reformers. The Tories spent the 1840s incensed at the Reformist-minded politics of the Governor General, Lord Elgin.
Upon releasing his plans to come to Bytown in September of 1849, the people of Lowertown started preparing a royal welcome while Uppertowners felt he should be ignored. A meeting was called in the ByWard Market building to discuss the situation.
The meeting on Monday, September 17, erupted into a bloody riot, known as Stoney Monday; stones were thrown and one person was shot dead.
Six years later Ottawa was made capital and the Market concentrated on booming business.
Thick with Irish history, the ByWard Market is the perfect place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day whether at the authentic Irish pubs or at any of the other, less traditionally Irish venues.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day events
13th of March
Zaphod Beeblebrox
The Town Pants and Newfie Fog
Tickets $8
16th of March
Collection/Bar 56
Gift Certificate give aways and a grand prize of gift certificates valued at $500.
St. Patrick’s Day events in the ByWard Market:
Heart and Crown ByWard
Live bands throughout the day on 2 separate stages
11am-4pm - Pat Kelly and Pat Mayer
4-8pm - The Paddington's
10-close - Whiskey Dealers
Aulde Dubliner/Pour House
Live bands throughout the day
11am-3pm - Bandy and Port
4-8pm - Neil Emberg
10-close - Well Strung
Pub 101
Live music 4 pm – Scenic Route To Stardom
Fun celctic music and popular songs all day long!
Enjoy some irish Stew
Zaphod Beeblebrox
St. Patrick’s Day Shindig with Jimmy George
Tickets $8 advance $10 at the door.
Rainbow Bistro
St. Patty’s Day Rock n Roll Revival Show
9pm – 1 am
Helsinki
Vernissage – Spring At Helsinki by Alison Fowler
A collection of fresh picked poppies, tulips and wildflowers jump off the canvas with bold acrylic brush strokes. This installation was made for Helsinki as it compliments our fresh new look in a sophisticated manner!
Artist reception and lucky charms 5-9 p.m.
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