Do The Shamrock Shake Today

As usual, I gave up dessert for Lent, so the closest I'll get to a Shamrock Shake today is this t-shirt. (Thankfully, I managed to enjoy one this year before Ash Wednesday.) Happy St. Patricks Day, all.

City of Los Angeles to St. Patrick: Your Luck O' The Irish Has Run Out

Fishbowl L.A. found this cold, hard truth on the City of L.A. web site. No St. Patrick's Day Parade for us, given the city's economic crunch.

L.A.'s St. Patrick's Day Parade has always been a small-time affair -- I'm guessing most Angelenos had never heard of it to begin with. But it's still a shame.

Here's a YouTube video of pics from the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Los Angeles:



Also, check out this video, from Louis Elovitz, chronicling the 1984 parade downtown.

Shamrock The Shake: Any Los Angeles Sightings?

We're usually on top of the Shamrock Shake news here at Franklin Avenue -- just check out our extensive past coverage.

But I must admit, I haven't been keeping in the loop this year -- having not been to a MickeyD's in years (other than to get, well, a Shamrock Shake). But I haven't seen a banner touting the green treat at any McDonald's I pass by. And the unofficial tally of Shamrock Shake sightings is inconclusive about Southern California -- although it seems like the Bay Area has been blessed.

Then there's the question of how much the winning Shamrock Shake formula has been tampered with. According to Serious Eats, the revived shake is less minty, comes with whipped cream and a cherry, and is poured into a small plastic cup.

Erin Go Rye: Supermarkets Get into the St. Patrick's Day Spirit

Jon over at Dodger Thoughts caught this sentiment on a loaf of bread at the grocery store.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: The Irish Fair & Music Festival

We've got a pair of tix to attend this weekend's Irish Fair & Music Festival at the Fairplex.

The 8th annual event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Southern California.

Details:

There's something Irish to suit everyone. Learn more about historic Ireland as you explore the Ancient Irish Village depicting a 16th century village faire or celebrate the rich Irish culture with sheepherding demonstrations or an Irish Dog Show.

Families will enjoy the Leprechaun Village with "winner-every-time" games, a storybook stage, petting zoo and pony rides while shoppers can hunt for bargains in the largest Irish Import Street in the west.

For authentic Irish dining, there's the bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches and shepherd's pie and plenty for the stout, ale and beer lovers. Finally, "jig" it all off with eight stages featuring true Irish music.

This year, attendees with the last name "Murphy" get in free. (A valid ID is required, of course.)

For everyone else, admission is $18 (discounted to $16 for seniors over 55 and students with valid ID).