TOLEDO, Ohio — St. Patrick’s Day has returned to Toledo, another sign of the spring season and one of the first good excuses of the year to get out and have some fun with family and friends. It’s a day for many people to eat a jig’s dinner or have a drink or two at the local pub.
The Blarney has become one of the most popular St. Paddy’s Day hang outs in recent years.
For one customer, more than anything, the holiday is about spending time together with those who matter most.
Jeff Howard and his sons are from Tecumseh, Michigan, and made the drive down to spend the holiday together in Toledo.
“I just survived cancer for the second time in my life. This was my goal to be ready to come back down here and enjoy my time with my sons,” said Howard.
He says that nothing was more important than spending time with his family.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the few days of the year that lots of bars open up when the sun is coming up.
Despite the early morning, Howard says even 6 a.m. isn’t too early to begin celebrating.
“You can get down here and get a belly up to the bar and get your breakfast and get prepared for the day,” said Howard.
His son agreed.
“It’s never too early, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” said Nick Howard.
From live music to beer and games, patrons at the bar say that the holiday is meant to be spent with family and friends and to have a good time.
Savanna Bialecki, an employee of The Blarney, said that while the day is busy, it’s a place full of love and fun.
“Have a fun day filled with green and Guinness,” said Bialecki.
And many people did, happy to have the excuse for it.
MORE FROM WTOL 11: