Sask. bars welcome St. Patrick's Day crowds

Bars across Saskatchewan welcomed the Irish and those pretending to be from the Emerald Isle on Friday for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Canadian Brewhouse Assistant General Manager Adam Leland said their Saskatoon location was busy as soon as they opened at 11 a.m.

“It’s been great,” he said. “We had people waiting outside the door.”

Most bars are offering Guiness and green beer specials throughout the day to cater to those wishing to celebrate.

Nolan Grieman enjoyed a few green pints at the brewhouse, but he started drinking a little earlier.

“I had a breakfast beer at 8 a.m.,” he said with a big smile.

Half-Irish, Grieman said he was excited to learn St. Patrick’s Day was on a Friday.

“I figured it’s time to party so I booked the day off,” he said. “Usually it’s during the week and I could never get the time.”

Space was expected to be limited at bars at the end of the traditional work day, as more people started their weekend celebrations.

Leland said the brewhouse was planning to bring in Irish dancers and bands for evening entertainment.