MURPHYSBORO, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- The luck of the Irish is going strong in southern Illinois, and there's an opportunity for you to take part.
The Murphysboro is happening on Saturday, March 20th.
Murphysboro St. Patrick's Day 5K:
The race is going virtual this year, so participants can go anytime and place of their choosing between March 20-March 27. This will help with social distancing mitigations. Packet pickup is between 9am-noon at Brews Brothers Taproom. Click for more information.
Irish Stew Cook off:
The Irish Stew Cookoff is back and taking place with approval from the Jackson County Health department. Teams of two will set up a tent in the parking lot across from the Brews Brothers Taproom, so they can be spaced out from other teams. Cooking begins at 9 a.m. and judging will take place at 1 p.m. There's still time and compete.
Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. The team with the best decorated tent will go home with $50 gift card to local businesses. But the coveted prize is the team's name of the Championship belt.
Shop local businesses downtown:
In past years, many visitors would shop after the parade. While the parade is not happening this year, organizers hope that community members will come out to support local businesses, their owners and employees. Many shops open at 10:30am and close around 4 p.m.
Corned beef and cabbage:
Corned beef and cabbage is a staple of St. Patty's Day and will be available for purchase. The at Brews Brothers will be serving up the traditional meal where you can sit at a socially distanced table, or take it to-go.
Tricycle races:
This is A event for the annual celebration. The competition will be amongst two riders to see who can go the fastest in a timed race or there's an obstacle course. Each race will cost $1 per person and timing is an extra $1 per person.
There is a way participants can get free entry. That's by bring three non-perishable food items for the .
Gene Basden, President of the city's Chamber of Commerce says, each year the food pantry hold a community challenge during the spring when donations are typically low.
Last year, 60,000 items were collected and the food pantry is trying to beat that record.
Lucky Toss Bags tournament:
Last but certainly not least, teams of two will compete for a cash prize. The entry fee is $20 per team, and you can do so by for more information.
All events will take place at Brews Brothers Taproom or outside of the establishment. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p .m. and will be offering drink specials.
Brews Brothers Taproom:
1105 Chestnut Street
Murphysboro, Illinois
