Long Beach's Irish Day brings the green once again

Irish Day is one of Long Beach’s largest events, drawing thousands to the West End, where the green flows for hours — vendors sell food and other items and restaurants and bars do a booming business.

The Covid pandemic shut down the event two years ago, but came back strong last year. The event, called Irish Day for short, was scheduled for Oct. 7 this year and brought back the Irish feel despite the rainy skies.

There are around 100 vendors, at least, each year, and food vendors, rides and food. Irish Day attracts several thousand people throughout the day, and those people frequent the bars and restaurants, where live music often plays.

The vendors and food along West Beech Street were out and about until about 4 p.m.

Irish Day also supports local charities, including Waterfront Warriors, the Long Beach/Lido Beach Little League and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and it provides some scholarships.

The Ancient Order of the Hibernians Irish Day Parade began at Washington Boulevard and West Beech Street at 11 a.m.

There will be more photos next week.