As an Irishwoman by heritage, I, like many other Irish immigrant descendants, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every day without trying. For the rest of the Palouse, there are opportunities to play the part.

St. Patrick’s Day originated as the death day of Ireland’s patron Saint Patrick, celebrating him and the Irish culture in general. Today, the holiday is mainly seen as a time to embrace Irish heritage and culture.

Through the years, Americans celebrated St. Patrick’s Day decked out in green gear and spent their childhood days pinching anyone who didn’t wear green. Now that most of us are in college, the pinching has stopped and sometimes replaced with kissing the Irish or visiting pubs and bars around the area.

Some bars offer green beers or other St. Patrick’s Day treats. The Coug offers green beer and every year holds a St. Paddy’s Day Pre-Funk with an opportunity to buy a themed T-shirt that says “Kiss Me, I’m a Coug.” Yesterday was their 11th year doing this event.

While Pullman has no major events going on for St. Patrick’s Day, later in March they will be having their annual Cabaret to fundraise for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. The theme for this year is The Emerald City and the event is March 28. Visit the Pullman Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

The University of Idaho will also be holding an event in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday. The event will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with University of Idaho Boise graduates from the last decade, featuring a raffle and a “Kiss Me, I’m a Vandal” shirt included in the ticket price.

The biggest event is held in Spokane with their St. Patrick’s Day parade. Hosted by The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the procession includes a Scot pipe band, an Irishman of the Year, and plenty of Irish pride.

The parade will be held on Saturday at noon in downtown Spokane.

For those who just want to be a part of the St. Patrick’s Day traditions, take the time to learn about and embrace Irish culture. It’s not all about the drinking. Irish culture is deeply rooted in the arts, such as storytelling, dancing and music.

Dressing up in green is still a good way to celebrate, as a way to represent Ireland’s nickname as the Emerald Isle due to its green countryside.

Whether choosing to dive into Irish culture or just dabble in St. Patrick’s Day traditions, this is a time for everyone to play leprechaun.