Features Editor

On St. Patrick’s Day, all the world is Irish.

But, Troy State University begins the wearing of the green on Monday and doesn’t take it off until St. Paddy’s day has come and gone.

The week-long St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in only in its infancy as a Troy tradition, but

Faith Ward, director of alumni affairs at TSU said it is one that is here to stay.

"The response from our students and the Pike County community was great last year and we expect more interest this year because people are catching on to the idea of a week-long St. Patrick’s Day Celebration," Ward said.

This year, TSU is making it convenient to "wear the green." The office of alumni affairs has tee shirts with an Irish motif for sale. Adult sizes are $10 and kids sizes are $5.

"The shirts will be available Monday and all week long and they will be great to wear in the St. Paddy’s Day Parade on Saturday."

However, many activities are planned before the big, green parade.

Irish week kicks off in a big band way at 7 p.m. Monday at the Claudia Crosby Theater with the "Irish Celebration Concert" by TSU bands. The concert is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, "Miss Shamrock" and "Mr. Leprechaun" will be selected from a large field of Irish wannabes. The contest is set for 7 p.m. at the Claudia Crosby Theater. Admission is a donation to benefit the Pike County United Way.

"We have a new event planned for Wednesday," Ward said. "Our holiday was such a success back in November that we decided to host an Irish Bazaar during St. Patrick’s Day Week. There will be a large variety of items, including gifts for Easter and Mother’s Day."

The public is invited to "bring the green" to the Irish

Bazaar and shop for those special people in their lives – "and themselves." The bazaar will open at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Adams Center.

At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the Irish Cooking Contest will be held in the Adams Center Food Court and everyone is invited to cook Irish or cook green.

"The dish doesn’t

have to be an Irish dish, but, if it’s not, it must have something green or in some way relate to the Irish holiday," Ward said.

If that’s not enough Irish cheer for one day, then prepare to launch.

At 4 p.m. at the lagoon, the SS Leprechaun Launch will get underway. Yachtsmen of all ages are invited to build their sailing vessel and set sail across the lagoon in hopes of winning the race and taking home the Paddy Cup. There is no entry fee only a boat that will turn the others green with envy.

Thursday is reserved for the students and faculty of TSU, but Friday the public is invited to "the campus on the green" again, beginning with A Taste of Ireland at 2 p.m. at HAL Hall.

"We’ll serve tea and scones and enjoy the fellowship of other "Irishmen," Ward said.

"At 4 p.m. bidding will open at the silent auction in the Adams Center.

At 7 p.m. in the Adams Center Theater, students will put their talents on display in the SGA Talent Show.

Saturday will be one of the biggest days on campus as TSU hosts "Alumni, Parents and Friends Weekend, the St. Paddy’s Day Parade and the T-Day game.

Check-in for alumni, parents and friends will be at 8:30 on the second floor o the Adams Center.

The St. Paddy’s Day Parade will get underway at 11 a.m. and follow a route along University Avenue.

"Everyone is invited to be Irish for a day and participate in the parade," Ward said. "We would appreciate those who plan to participate calling the office at 670-3318 to let us know. The parade is a lot of fun and the more participants we have, the more fun it will be."

Grand Marshal of the 2002 St. Paddy’s Day Parade will be Dr. Earl Watson, a former TSU professor. Parade marshals are Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hawkins Jr., Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, Meryl Jones, president of the TSU SGA, Miss

TSU Melissa McCord, Miss Shamrock and Mr. Leprechaun.

Following the parade, refreshments will be served in Trojan Arena.

Tailgating and activities will be underway around noon at the Tailgate Terrace and

the T-Day Game will get underway at 2 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

A cocktail reception and reunion dinner will cap off the week’s activities. The reception and dinner will be held at the Adams Center Ballroom.

For ticket information contact Ward at 670-3318.