Sober Seventeenth Celebrates the Spirit of St. Patrick

William Denihan, Joe Matuscak and the Honorable Judge William McGinty.

A sober St. Patrick’s Day Party and Celebration, presented by Sober Seventeenth, Inc. and The LCADA Way, returned to Avon Lake’s Ahern’s Banquet Center on March 17 to offer a family friendly, rip-roaring good time!

In its sixth consecutive year, the event has emerged as one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Northeast Ohio. The Sober Seventeenth St. Patrick’s Day Party serves no alcohol and offers an abundance of fun and enjoyment through authentic Irish culture and music.

“It’s so much fun we don’t need booze,” explained Jack Kilroy, President of the nonprofit Sober Seventeenth, Inc. “But seriously, we help people in recovery prevent relapse by providing a counterpoint to the pervasive drunken Irish stereotype. Plus, we give families a chance to show their children authentic Irish culture meant to honor the patron saint of Ireland, away from the sea of alcohol that has traditionally flooded the day.

“We’re so pleased to be partnering with Sober Seventeen”, said Thomas D. Stuber, President & CEO of The LCADA Way. “The night is sure to be a great time for our customers, families and their friends.”

Judge William McGinty welcomes guests.

The event showcased County Mayo’s number one singer James Kilbane, (famous for his 2005 “You’re a Star” televised competition), The McNamaras from Cleveland, performing traditional Irish tunes on flute, tin whistle, and fiddle, 13-year-old bagpipe prodigy Reece Colovini, the youngest piper in the history of the 87th Cleveland Pipe Band founded in 1987, and the Burke School of Irish Dance.

Kid’s fun included shamrock-face painting and a coloring contest judged by Sherry Glass of the Lorain County Juvenile Court. The evening’s entertainers were introduced by Judge William T. McGinty of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. A saintly serving of Irish and international favorites for every taste was also proffered.