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Business & Tech

Businesses Prepare for Mardi Gras and St. Pattys Day

A number of specials and promotions to get you into the spirit

A number of events are taking place in downtown Herndon and surrounding areas beginning this weekend in celebration of Mardi Gras and St. Patricks Day.

On March 4, Finnegan's, located at 2310 Woodland Crossing Dr., will feature live Irish music and specials. Bagpipes, green carnations, Irish coffee specials and a traditional brunch buffet will also be available throughout the weekend.

On March 8, stacks of five pancakes will be served throughout the day to celebrate Shrove Tuesday for only $5. Other promotions will be offered everyday through March 17.

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“We started looking around at what other Irish bars have done for St. Patricks Day,” said Manager Chris Mahaffey. “They all do something big. We just wanted to offer specials and promotions leading up to it as well.”

A full list of promotions can be found on Finnegans Facebook page. Call 571-203-0203 or visit them on the web.

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Also kicking things off a few days early is who will serve cajun food and brews beginning March 4. On Tuesday, the local business will celebrate even bigger with DJ Z, dancing, prizes and beads.

Casino games including blackjack, craps and poker will also be played to benefit the charity Operation Homefront and medical costs for those undergoing cancer treatment. The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Jimmy's is located at 697 Spring St. Call 703-435-JIMS or visit them on the web.

Just across the street at the new O'Sullivan's Irish Pub, located at 754 Elden St., the first annual Mardi Gras Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

A costume contest will held for Best Mask and Best in Show. There will also be the crowning of the 2011 King and Queen of Mardi Gras around 11 p.m.

A variety of cajun food will be served during a live jazz performance by Little Big Boy.

“Generally we play just rock n' roll and Irish music so this will be the first time that we have a jazz artist in,” said Manager John Reichert. “I'm definitely looking forward to it and people should come out because O'Sullivan's is the place to be.”

Update 3/5/11 at 12 p.m.: For St. Patrick's Day O'Sullivan's will open at 8 a.m. serving kegs and eggs and a traditional Irish breakfast menu until 11 a.m. Irish bands and bagpipers will play throughout the day and Irish dancers will perform at 3:30 p.m. There will also be giveaways.

A costume party will be held on March 8 at the , located at 314 Elden St., from 5 to 9 p.m. German Fasching will be celebrated with German beer and Brats Platter.

A full menu will be available as well as music, merriment and costume contest for best costume in male, female and couple. The event is open to the entire family.

And, if you're willing to wait until March 17, Ned Devine's, located at 2465 Centreville Rd., will hold a St. Patrick's Day bash beginning with live Irish music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:15-7 p.m.

Traditional food and drink, in the color of green, will be available as well as traditional Irish dancing performances at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The night will end with a live performance by Gonzo's Nose, beginning at 10 p.m.

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