Blackstone Valley plans St. Patrick’s Day events

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

To many who know Rhode Island, it may seem its ethnicity is heavily Italian; the 2000 US Census showed that 19 percent of the state’s population boasts that lineage. But the state’s Irish ancestry is even more evident: According to the Blackstone River Valley Tourism Council, 23 percent of the state’s 1 million residents claims Irish ancestry.

Celebrating that lineage, the council has announced events for early March.  The 2011 Pawtucket St. Patrick’s Parade is scheduled for March 5, stepping off at noon from Jenks Junior High School at the corner of Division Street and Columbus Avenue, across from McCoy Stadium, ending at City Hall on Roosevelt Avenue. After, a post parade reception is scheduled at the Kelleway Center, 461 Main St., featuring entertainment from Tommy Lanigan & The Granite Men and a performance by the Rhode Island Firefighters Pipe & Drum Band. Admission to the party is $2 per person. For information, visit www.pawtucketstpatricksdayparade.org/

That night at 8 p.m., a night of Irish music and contemporary folk music with a concert by Robbie O’Connell and Aiofe Clancy is scheduled at the Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, with Boston-based fiddler George Keith accompanying. Tickets are $15. For reservations call 401-725-9272 or visit www.riverfolk.org