🇮🇪☘️ St. Paddy’s Parades, Hiring Events, and a Caribbean Giveaway

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Erin Go Braugh, 315! I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather. We have a packed week ahead of us. From St. Patrick’s Day festivities across the Mohawk Valley to lots of music and the Syracuse Wedding Expo in Utica. Let me know what I missed, and please take the poll at the end of the email. I plan on using a few surveys to further improve the newsletter to keep all you beautiful 315 people happy. So, get out, get your green ready, and enjoy the weather.

In today’s newsletter:

🍀 St. Paddy’s Season Kickoff: Your ultimate guide to the parades in Utica, Boonville, and Old Forge, plus the "Road to the Parade" festivities.
🗞️ 315 Community News: Updates on Hamilton’s downtown makeover, $350k in local scholarship funds, and a new mental health grant for our first responders.
🎟️ Win a Caribbean Getaway: Details on the free NY Wedding Expo in Utica, where one lucky couple will win an all-inclusive honeymoon!

🍀 The Road to the Green: Your Guide to St. Paddy’s Season in the 315

It looks like we’re trading the snow shovels for shamrocks a bit early this year! The "Road to the Parade" is officially in high gear across the 315, and the Mohawk Valley is buzzing with events to get you in the spirit before the big march down Genesee Street. From traditional ceremonies at the Irish Cultural Center to high-energy fundraisers and parties at our favorite local haunts, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate our region's deep Irish roots. Grab your green gear and check out these specific stops on the way to St. Paddy’s Day:

St. Patrick's Day Party at 7 Hamlets: Head over to Westmoreland for a festive bash featuring live music, themed drinks, and that signature community vibe.
The "Irish for a Day" Pub Crawl: Hit the pavement in downtown Utica for a tour of local favorites, supporting parade fundraising with every stop.
St. Paddy’s Day Warm-up at The Celtic Harp: Get a head start on the festivities with live bagpipes and traditional fare at one of Utica’s most iconic Irish spots.
Post-Parade Party at Varick St. venues: Plan your landing spot for after the big march, with multiple venues hosting live bands and corned beef specials all afternoon.
Family Fun at the Irish Cultural Center: Beyond the pub scene, check out workshops and history sessions perfect for the younger leprechauns in your crew.

Check out our events section below for all the details.

To sponsor a newsletter, email us at [email protected]

How One Wellness Brand Is Helping America Sleep Better

You know the importance of sleep, but actually getting enough is easier said than done. One wellness brand decided to study the problem and whether CBD could help.

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Study participants who took CBD and CBN reported falling asleep easier and sleeping an hour longer per night, on average. Study participants who took THC as well as CBD and CBN reported improved quality of sleep and waking up more refreshed the next morning.

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📰 The 315 Community Chronicles

Oneida County has been awarded a $60,000 state grant to launch the "CARES UP" wellness initiative for first responders and 911 personnel. This program provides evidence-based mental health support and peer training to help emergency workers manage high-stress environments. Implementation will focus on building resilience and reducing the stigma surrounding trauma in the workplace.

Utica Dollars for Scholars is accepting applications for $350,000 in available scholarship funds until the March 15 deadline. Over 120 awards are available to graduating seniors, including the new Wurz Family Scholarship, which offers renewable grants of up to $5,000. Students must complete the single online application to be eligible for these critical financial resources.

Village leaders in Hamilton are moving forward with strategic investment plans for new downtown housing and the renovation of the Village Green. These projects, supported by state funds, are designed to enhance walkability and attract professionals moving to Central New York for the nearby Micron project. Key improvements include adding energy-efficient townhouses and creating a new community welcome center with electric vehicle charging.

🗓️ Events happening this week in the 315!

Check the event link. Some events have a fee. We only post beginning times.

To have your event added, contact us at [email protected]

Submit Your Event

Submit your event to be added to the list. 🥳

The deadline for inclusion is the Monday before your event for our Tuesday newsletter.

🌮 It’s Good to be a Foodie in the 315

Thursday 3/12
March into Spring Cookie Decorating Class | The Studios, Clinton | 5:30 PM

Saturday 3/14
Spring Cookie Pop-Up | Calabria Coffee, New Hartford | 9 AM

To have your foodie event added, contact us at [email protected]

💍 Say "I Do" to Stress-Free Planning at the Syracuse Wedding Expo Right Here in Utica

Calling all nearly-weds in the 315! If you’re planning your big day, you won’t want to miss the Syracuse Wedding Expo making its way to the Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica on Sunday, March 15th. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the ballroom will be buzzing with the Mohawk Valley’s top wedding pros. Visit booths showcasing photographers, florists, and planners, all ready to help you turn your Pinterest boards into reality. This event is completely free for you and your guests, and one lucky couple will even walk away with a 5-day/4-night all-inclusive luxury getaway to the Caribbean or Mexico! Grab your partner, savor some sweet samples, and get a head start on your wedding checklist right here in the heart of Utica.

Event Highlights

When: Sunday, March 15th | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica (200 Genesee St, Utica, NY)
Cost: Free admission for you and your entire party (only one person needs to register)
Perks: Complimentary gift bags, trend-setting bridal fashion displays, and a chance to win an all-inclusive honeymoon!

To sponsor a newsletter, email us at [email protected]

🎸 Live Music & Entertainment in the 315 this week

Monday 3/16
Trivium | Rome Art & community Center | 6:30 PM

To get your gig on the list, email us at [email protected]

🤝 Get Involved with Your Community

If you have a passion for local heritage and a few hours to spare, the Oneida County History Center in Utica is looking for helping hands to keep our regional stories alive! From greeting visitors in the bookstore and assisting with genealogy research in the library to representing the center at local festivals like the Oneida County Public Market, there is a role for every interest and skill level. Whether you’re a tech-savvy student looking for an internship or a history buff eager to dive into the archives, volunteering here is a rewarding way to connect with neighbors and ensure the Mohawk Valley’s legacy is preserved for the next generation. Ready to make history? Visit their volunteer page to fill out an application and join a team that truly serves as the heart of our community.

To get your community event in the newsletter, email us at [email protected]

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