A much-loved Los Gatos tradition returns this St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a new location but better get your tickets now because they are selling fast, and that’s no blarney.
Lucky for us Los Gatans, Chris Benson and Johnny Hannegan (partners in the former CB Hannegan’s) are hosting what promises to be a memorable St. Pat’s party. The iconic annual celebration has not been held since the closing of CB Hannegan’s in 2017. The tradition is back at Campo di Bocce on March 17, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Irish dancing, a pipe band, the Black Irish band and food are included, and kilts are encouraged at this 21-and-older event.
The event is a fundraiser for both the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Foundation and Music in the Park. Tickets are $100 at www.Campodibocce.com.
Before the wearing of the green is the wearing of the purple, gold and green; Mardis Gras is coming up Tuesday, March 4. The Bywater is a great place to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Chef/owner David Kinch offers menu items from New Orleans, where he learned to cook. From po’boys to barbecue, sazeracs to hurricanes, you can celebrate Mardis Gras without flying to the Big Easy. www.thebywaterca.com
“Here’s Looking at You”. That classic line is from the iconic movie “Casablanca”. Did you know that it was not expected to be a hit when initially released? It surprised everyone by winning multiple Oscars and is one of the highest-ranked movies of all time. See it on the big screen on Monday, March 3, at the Los Gatos Theatre. It’s the next installment in the Monday Morning Movie series. losgatosthrives.org/monday-movies
Feeling cooped up this winter? See how Big Basin Redwoods State Park is recovering from the CZU Lightning Complex wildfires. Rangers will lead a guided walk to talk about the cultural history of the park. And outline plans for Big Basin going forward. The walks, on a 0.6-mile, flat and easy trail, are every Saturday in March, 11 a.m.-noon. www.parks.ca.gov
Many have seen it, but few have visited the concrete box on Mt. Umunhum, the iconic radar tower that was once a key part of the West Coast’s missile defense system After years as the Almaden Air Force Station, the site was added to the Midpeninsula Open Space District and opened to public access in 2017. You can hike or drive to the summit, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, to experience 360-degree views and learn a little about the site’s native American and military history. www.openspace.org/preserves/sierra-azul
The Los Gatos Saratoga Parks and Recreation summer catalog is out, both printed and online. They offer great public recreation programs sure to fit tastes and abilities. www.lgsrecreation.org
The Los Gatos Library hosts interesting programs and classes. For instance, a Social Stitching In-Person will be held on Monday, March 3 and 10, 4:30-6 p.m. You can join fellow needlework and textile arts enthusiasts for this casual, self-directed get-together. Check out Creativebug; it’s free with your library card and offers hundreds of project ideas and instructions. https://www.losgatosca.gov/2828/Los-Gatos-Public-Library
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, the 1/3-scale steam engine found in Oak Meadow Park, is a beloved part of our community. A lifelong railroad man, Jones noticed a rusty locomotive in a scrap yard in 1939, decided to purchase it and brought it to Los Gatos. For 25 years, Billy ran the Wildcat Railroad on his ranch free of charge. Learn more about this remarkable man at ona free docent-led tour at New Museum Los Gatos Friday, March 28, 11-11:45 a.m. www.numulosgatos.org
Amid multiple rounds of winter weather and a severe flu season, organizations like the American Red Cross report critically low blood supplies. To help, Los Gatos Rotary is hosting a blood drive March 15 at St. Luke’s Church. www.losgatosrotary.org
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, I’d like to know: debby@debbyrice.com.
