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Rainy weather dampened the outdoor St. Patrick’s Day festivities last Friday. Before the rain set in, the fountain was yet again died green, and activities such as face painting and bounce houses were available for kids, complete with a giant rainbow and pot of gold balloon for photos. These activities were offered by the city, while multiple businesses on the square were simultaneously holding their own St. Patty’s Day festivities. Southern Philosophy and Sio’s both offered Irish-themed food and drinks, accompanied by live music.

City special event coordinator Randee Eubanks spoke with the Post-Searchlight about the evening’s events, saying, “The (crowd) size seemed to get a little busier than last year, right before the rain started, around 7:00.” The city had originally planned for more activities on the square that evening, including a foam pit, cotton candy and more music, all of which ultimately had to be cancelled on account of the weather. “We hate that the rain got in the way,” Eubanks said.

Ultimately, the activities served their goal however, as downtown businesses were packed that evening. “The main goal of it is just to bring people downtown to patronize the businesses,” Eubanks said, “so hopefully the businesses saw an increase with people bringing their kids downtown for the activities.”