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Blarney Bash offers boon for Georgia Street businesses

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — St Patrick’s day isn’t until Tuesday, but that didn’t stop Indianapolis from calling on the luck of the Irish a few days early.

Saturday afternoon Downtown Indy hosted its 3rd annual Blarney Bash along Georgia Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets.

Organizers said by 4:30 p.m. they already handed out 4,000 wristbands.

“We got blessed, we got great weather with all the rain we had last night,” said Gordon Coke, the owner of The Pub. Coke says the crowds compare to those from last year with the Big Ten Tournament. “Everyone has cabin fever from the cold weather so they’re ready to come out and have a good time.”

Most attendees came wearing their best Irish costumes and hats.

Green beer and food was served by vendors, including The Pub, Howl at the Moon, Kilroy’s and The Titled Kilt.

There was also live music from Zanna Doo and My Yellow Rickshaw.

While Indy often times plays second fiddle to Chicago, some of those we spoke with say Indy does St Patrick’s Day better.

“Most of my friends go to Chicago for St Patrick’s Day, but I feel like there’s no reason to travel on this day,” said Leslie Kesler. “Everyone wants to come out here so I will just stay here.”

“Me and my friend were the first people up here at 8:20 am and there was no one else out here and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ what does Indy have to offer,” said Oliver Goss. ” I was beginning to think there was no one out here but now I think its awesome. St Patrick’s Day is awesome. Its fun.