Des Moines Preps for St. Paddy's Day - ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Preps for St. Paddy's Day

By Addie Olson

aolson@myabc5.com

@addieolson

St. Patrick's Day doesn't officially begin until Sunday, but for Irish pubs in Des Moines, this day has been a long time in the making.

"It starts way back in December probably," said Mickey's Irish Pub Manager Jay Ratzlaff of their preparations.

Mickey's on Court Avenue spent months planning the weekend full of live music, Irish fun and 20 kegs of green beer.

Festivities took off at Flanagan's Pub on Friday evening. They took an unusual approach to the holiday by including Starky's BBQ in their St. Patrick's day line up.

Starky's owner, Jeff Stark, said they were making all of their classic dishes, in addition to some Irish fare.

"Tomorrow we're going to have corned beef and cabbage for an Irish tradition and green eggs and ham on Sunday," said Stark.

Both Stark and Ratzlaff agreed that it's important to have fun with the holiday, and officers will be out on the roads in higher numbers all weekend to make sure they're doing so safely.

"Look for a safe ride home," said Sgt. Brent Long of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. "Whether it be a cab or a friend, look for the safest way home and certainly don't get behind the wheel drinking and driving."