To celebrate on March 17, the Saratoga Village Development Council, made up of downtown merchants, will host its St. Paddy's Party on Big Basin Way, which will feature family activities and Irish food. The activities kick off at 6 p.m. and will last until 9 p.m. Party-goers should begin at the information booth on the front lawn at the Echo Shop at 14477 Big Basin Way. There, children can pick up bags to collect coins, which will be scattered on the sidewalks throughout the Village.

"There will be oodles of new pennies," said Marilyn Marchetti, event organizer for the St. Paddy's Party.

Residents can also enter free drawings while at the information booth. Among the items they can win: nail services, an hour-long massage and a box of chocolates.

La Mere Michelle and Lupretta's Delicatessen on Big Basin Way will serve Irish staples, corned beef and cabbage. Not too far away, Bella Saratoga will have shepherd's pie on its menu. Pat Smith's Deli will sell corned beef sandwiches.

All things green will embellish the downtown district. Merchants will entice the community with green cotton candy, green carnations and green ice cream. If that's not enough, there will be a green jellybean count contest and free green cider.

Marchetti said she hopes the attractions will encourage the local community to do business with the merchants downtown.

"We in Saratoga don't have any other big events," she said. "That is our social and cultural heart. We don't have a big downtown. It's where people should go and socialize and have a memorable experience."

The St. Paddy's Party will be the first of regular monthly events the SVDC has planned to bring shoppers downtown, Marchetti said.

Other activities will include an Easter bonnet parade and an historical scavenger hunt. The monthly activities will "strengthen our sense of community," she said.

The Saratoga Senior Center will also inject some Irish spirit into the city with its annual St. Patrick's Day dinner at 6 p.m. on March 17. For $20, diners can feast on corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, dessert and a drink. All proceeds will benefit the senior center.

Highlighting the evening will be the Stage Crew, a local barbershop quartet that will sing Irish songs and other familiar tunes. There will also be some audience participation.

"What's exciting is that the barbershop quartet will teach us to sing in harmony," said Joan Cornbleet, program coordinator at the senior center.

The quartet will lead a sing-along, where audience members can choose their favorite Irish songs from a flier, complete with lyrics.

The St. Patrick's Day dinner at the senior center is open to the entire community. The senior center is located at 19655 Saratoga Ave. Tickets are available at the front desk or by calling 408.868.1257.

Those who are interested should get their tickets before March 17.