St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner — we're all Irish that one day of the year, aren't we? In the historic district there will be plenty of celebrating. At the Judge's Bench they will be serving up Irish beer and whiskey specials, Irish food and fun favors.
Another good choice would be the Phoenix Emporium. They always live up to their heritage — in a previous incarnation the Phoenix was O'Brian's.
Corned beef and green beer for everyone!
Time to paint
Ellicott City artist Wiley Purkey is working hard to lift us out of our winter doldrums. He's holding two painting classes with the theme "Paint Spring." Will wishing make it so? The events are on March 13 from 7 to 10 p.m., costing $39, and on March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., costing $35 each. For locations and registration information, go to Wiley's website at http://www.wileypurkey.com.
Historical society events
The Howard County Historical Society is holding two concerts at its Museum on Court Avenue. On Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m., it is featuring the Big Band Concert group Ain't Misbehavin. On March 21 at 7 p.m. it's the Gordon Fog concert.
The cost for each is $15 per person, $25 per couple. The events are free to society members, but members must reserve. If you would like to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy during the performances, the Wine Bin is offering 10 percent off on a purchase for those attending.
At the society's space at the Miller Library, it is celebrating Maryland Day on March 25, with special activities and exhibits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a nice variety of Maryland souvenirs available for purchase, I particularly a Maryland flag scarf. Very jaunty. For more information, call 410-480-3250 or go to the website at http://www.hchsmd.org.
Like everybody else, the society had to cancel the annual membership meeting in February due to bad weather. So, wisely, they have rescheduled the meeting for April 12 at the Miller Library at 1 p.m. Maybe the ice will be melted by then.
Also on Maryland Day, come down to the historic district at 9 a.m. to hear all of the local church bells chime for "Ring and Remember."
Open House
Artist Dee Cunningham, of Cunningham Studios at the west end of Main Street, is hosting an open house on Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a great opportunity to see the studio and her new samples and art work. The studio is at 8602-A Frederick Road. RSVP to dee@cunninghamstudios or call 410-707-9246.
Show house search
Historic Ellicott City Inc. President Joan Becker tells me that the group has started the search for the annual Decorator Show House. This event, held in the fall, benefits the group's mission of preservation, education and restoration in Howard County — particularly the historic district of Ellicott City.
The group tries to select a house with historic significance. They also prefer on-site parking. The house should be in "ready to decorate" condition, and the owners need to be able to vacate the residence for about four months. The house will be enhanced through the talents of the best designers the region has to offer.
If you have a house you would like to submit for consideration, call the group at 410-461-6908 or email HistoricEC@hotmail.com.