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St. Patrick’s celebrations kicked off a day early

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It was St. ‘Practice’ Day that locals were celebrating across the city Saturday.

And while the Scottish Club of Windsor may seem like an unlikely place to celebrate the Irish holiday, the hall was packed with hundreds of emerald-clad party-goers.

Lori Cunningham was one of them and said since St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Sunday this year, she and her friends took Saturday as an opportunity to start the celebration early.

“We’re practising. Usually we do it on the day, but this year we’re practising,” said Cunningham. The group was dripping in festive green accessories and was enjoying several pints of green beer together.

“I might feel a little green tomorrow morning, but that’s OK,” said Cunningham.

Windsor police Staff Sgt. Ray Turner said despite attending several fights in the downtown core, no serious incidents were reported. Extra uniformed and plainclothes officers were out Saturday night and will continue to monitor the city’s entertainment areas Sunday afternoon, he said.

A group of young dancers who were showcased at the Scottish Club began practising their Irish jigs for St. Patrick’s festivities months ago.

Two groups of dancers from the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance were among several dance groups that provided entertainment for the Scottish Club crowd on the eve of St. Paddy’s Day.

“It’s our busiest time,” said assistance dance teacher Jourdy Bancroft. The dancers were booked for 20 performances across the city in the five days up to and including St. Patrick’s Day.

“It’s good because we’re in Canada and Irish dancing isn’t as popular here, so it’s good to embrace it as much as we can,” said Bancroft.

On the city’s west end, Dominion House was packed to capacity by around 8 p.m. Saturday for their St. ‘Practice’ Day celebrations.

Owner Chris Mickle said celebrating a day early was a way to extend the party that keeps his pub bumping from open to close every year.

“It’s kind of our warm-up party for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Mickle. “I think it’s a great reason for people to celebrate. I mean St. Patrick’s Day in Canada is just a very social event, a very social day. People are Irish for a day and it’s just a reason to go out and party and celebrate with friends.”

Mandy Trudell, right, and Mark Pluimers take part in St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Mandy Trudell, right, and Mark Pluimers take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Tiffany Robertson takes part in St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Tiffany Robertson takes part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Eleven-month-old Abbey Mitchell chews on some Irish beads during St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the Scottish Club of Windsor on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Eleven-month-old Abbey Mitchell chews on some Irish beads during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Scottish Club of Windsor on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

A group from the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance perform at the Scottish Club of Windsor on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

A group from the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance perform at the Scottish Club of Windsor on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Mandy Trudell and Mark Pluimers take part in St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

Mandy Trudell and Mark Pluimers take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Dominion House in Windsor, Ont. on Saturday, March 16, 2013. (REBECCA WRIGHT/ The Windsor Star)

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