According to the US Census, nearly 20% of New Hampshire's residents claim Irish ancestry, making it the most Irish state in the USA after Massachusetts, where 24% of residents have Irish heritage.

Whether you're Irish by blood, association or inclination, enjoy some green-spirited St. Patrick's Day events in NH all this week, leading up to the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 27^th!

Pubs are a given, but here are some alternative sham-rockin' things to do this week!

Thursday, March 17
8:00pm
Luck of the Irish Race

Loon Mountain. Come give back to the community and have fun doing it. This race benefits the Eileen Keegan Rice Community Fund. 60 Loon Mountain Rd
Lincoln, NH 03251. 603-745-8111

Thursday, March 17
5:00pm
Monadnock Congregational Church 18th St. Patrick's Day Dinner
Come join us for authentic corn beef and cabbage. Lively Irish music. Event Fee: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children $8. $1 off if you are wearing green. Main Street
Colebrook, NH 03576. 800-698-8939

Thursday, March 17
8:00am
St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Hunt
Mount Sunapee Resort: Look for shamrocks hidden on the mountain and win prizes. Join us at Goosefeathers Pub for Irish fare. 1398 Rt. 103 Newbury, NH 03255. 603-763-3500

Friday, March 18
6:30pm
Irish Comedy Dinner Night
Brookstone Event Center will host an Irish Comedy Dinner Night starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18. Hors d'oeuvres will be served to start off the evening, and an Irish dinner buffet follows. Chef Kevin Riley has prepared a menu that includes slow-braised corned beef, Irish chicken stew, sautéed cabbage and more. The comedy portion of the evening begins with Boston comedian Larry Norton, aka the "comic on a Harley," and, following dinner, concludes with comedian Tom Hayes, who was named Showtime TV's "Funniest Person in Massachusetts." The event includes the dinner buffet, entertainment, tax and gratuity, and is $49.95 per person. Tickets are available by calling the Event Center at (603) 328-9255. 14 Route 111, Derry, NH 03038

Saturday, March 19
8:00pm
Shamrock Shuffle 5k Run & 1 Mile Fun Run
The Shuffle continues! Proceeds benefit summer camp scholarship funds for children right here in the Upper Valley. Check out our website, www.shamrock5K.com, or call 448-5121 for more information. 51 North Park Street, Lebanon, NH 03766

Sunday, March 20
2^nd annual Irish Heritage Celebration
Featuring live Irish step dancing, music and stories, plus traditional Irish crafts. Children's Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington Street, Dover NH 03820.

St.Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 27, 2011
12:00pm
Each year Manchester, NH turns green with Irish pride as it celebrates St. Patrick's Day. This annual parade is filled with floats, bands, twirlers and civic organizations as it makes its way down Manchester's famous Elm Street. The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is also Manchester's largest community event of the year with more than 70,000 attendees and participants. Click here for more information.

Gaelic Storm
Sunday, March 27, 2011
7:00pm
Come celebrate St. Patrick's Month at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. With feet firmly planted in the present, the band draws on the traditional music of Ireland, adding modern sounds and drawing influences from American rock and pop as well as music styles from around the world. Location: The Musical Hall, 28 Chestnut Street. Cost: adults, $23 - $34. Information: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

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