The organizers of the Downtown Brainerd St. Patrick’s Day Celebration have shifted gears and are turning their focus to encouraging the community to get outside and stretch their legs in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day this year. In joining forces with the Destination Downtown Brainerd Coalition organizers have decided to pause the traditional parade aspect of the day’s events and will instead be promoting multiple ways to enjoy a day out with the family. “As Minnesotans, St. Patrick’s Day is always that first day that we can all climb back out of our winter hoses and collectively see one another’s smiling faces,” said event organizer Steven Shepherd. “We want to keep that tradition alive and give everyone a safe place to shop and see one another with that same festive spirit.”

Patrons are encouraged to dress up and show their Irish side during the event. The medallion hunt will again take place and it needs to be turned into Shep’s on 6th by 1:00 p.m. on Saturday the 13th. Clues to its whereabouts will be printed in the Brainerd paper in the days leading up to the celebration. Downtown Brainerd’s “Pot of Gold” discount days will also be running as a part of the festivities. Shop at participating businesses March 13th-17th to receive a “Pot of Gold” scratch-off ticket. Removing the gold coin will reveal the deal. Discounts of up to 50% off of same day purchase will be in the pot – the more you shop, the better your chance of striking gold. For a list of participating businesses please visit the Destination Downtown Brainerd Coalitions Facebook page. “We want to encourage people to get outside and see one another in as safe of a manor as possible again this year. In the future we look forward to bringing back more traditional aspects of this day, but the most important thing is that we all take a day to celebrate and stretch our collective legs.” Shepherd concluded.