Stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day

MT. PLEASANT — Those around the Mt. Pleasant community this weekend will find multiple opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau encourages them to do so safely.

“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, we anticipate alcohol consumption will increase throughout the weekend,” a statement from the IDPS reads. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly.”

According to IDPS, last March there were 26 traffic fatalities on Iowa roads and almost 40% of those occurred the week of St. Patrick’s Day.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau also reminds sober drivers to watch for pedestrians under the influence.

“An increase in alcohol consumption and pedestrian traffic can be a dangerous combination,” a statement from GTSB says. “If you’re on foot, cross streets in well-lit areas and use the crosswalks.”

“Don’t turn a day of fun into a tragic and devastating time by driving while intoxicated. It’s vital people plan ahead,” GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes says. “If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a ride-share service. Our law enforcement partners will be looking for impaired drivers.”

The GTSB’s advice for a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day includes giving your keys to a sober driver, reminding your friends to never get in a vehicle with a drunken driver, and even taking keys away from friends that might want to drink drunk.

Main Street Mt. Pleasant will kick off the festivities with their annual Saving the Green Beer Walk Thursday night, March 14.

For $10, attendees will receive a cup to use as they explore downtown businesses for special deals and indulge in seasonal beers and treats from 5-7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and dawn their best green outfits as they venture from stop to stop celebrating.

The cups for the event can be retrieved at the Union Block on Monroe Street. Stops for the evening will be hosted by over 20 downtown businesses ranging from The Vintage Raven to Your Dream Home Furniture on Jefferson Street, Quilter’s Paradise to Lillian Grace Boutique on Main Street, Paul Revere’s Pizza on Washington Street, and Antojitos Maya on Monroe Street.

Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant will keep the celebrations going Friday morning as they host bagpipe player Gene Wilkerson at 10 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Later Friday, Mt. Pleasant Golf and Country Club will offer food and drink specials along with music, a golf game 50/50 raffle, BINGO and silent auction from 5-10 p.m.

With all this St. Patrick’s Day fun coming to Mt. Pleasant, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds motorists, “Buzzed Driving is drunken driving.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com