You may think that you know everything about United Cerebral Palsy’s “An Irish Evening,” one of the must attend St. Patrick’s Day events in town. This year to celebrate their 15th Anniversary, UCP has taken their fun filled event and made it even better.

“UCP Huntsville’s ‘An Irish Evening’ has evolved over the last 15 years and the event committee is excited for the opportunity to now make this time-honored UCP fundraising event more accessible for the community-at-large to attend,” UCP Fundraising Director Tracy Cieniewicz explained.

Event Highlights

This year’s event will take place on March 15th from 6-10pm. I’ve gathered a quick list of 10 event highlights for you:

• 5 new features
• 5 time-honored traditions

What’s New

Here are 5 new things about this year’s event.

#1: Price

Tickets to this year’s event are ONLY $25! Plus one child 12 and under is free with each paid adult ticket. Your ticket price includes food and beverage samples from all kinds of amazing local vendors (more on that in a second). With prices like this, you can actually afford to take your whole family!

#2: Location

This year’s Irish Evening is moving to downtown Huntsville with their new location at the Depot Roundhouse. They’ll be plenty of room for all the fun and games, not to mention the rockin’ band and all the great food and drinks UCP has lined up.

#3: Food

Speaking of food, I love what UCP is doing for the event’s catering this year. Instead of the traditional sit down dinner or buffet, they are bringing in local food and beverage vendors, all whipping up tasty Irish themed goodies, for attendees to sample. These samples are included in your ticket price.

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the night’s vendors:

• Coca Cola Huntsville/Redi-to-Serve
• Costco
• Dove Chocolate Discoveries
• Holiday Inn Research Park
• Ingenium Wines
• Marriott Huntsville
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Shane’s Rib Shack
• Tommy’s Pizza
• VBC Catering
• Which Wich

#4: Attire

This year’s dress code: casual. So fella’s you can pack up those suits and ties! But remember this is a St. Patrick’s Day celebration so bring on the green! Now if you’ve got an awesome green tie you’ve been waiting all year to wear, I’m sure that would be perfect.

#5: Kids Area

Not only is the price of this year’s event family friendly, but so is the space. There will be a special area inside the Depot Roundhouse just for the little ones. So you can make a family night AND still get some grown-up time in. It’s the best of both worlds.

Traditional Favorites:

Not everything is new at this year’s event. Here are 5 traditions, UCP is bringing back for this year’s event.

#1: Live Music

It just wouldn’t be a proper Irish Evening without the lively tunes of the band Bourbon and Shamrocks. And fear not, this local favorite will be back to jam out again at this year’s event. Afterall, who else would you expect to play at An Irish Evening?

#2: Games

As always, there will be fun and games for all ages curtesy of the Irish Society of North Alabama.

#3: Dancin’

To make it a truly Irish Evening there will be a performance by the Fitness Arts Center Irish step dancers. After all  it is called An IRISH Evening. And let me tell you, these gals can dance! You don’t want to miss their performance! [spacer size=”0″]

#4: Silent Auction

An amazing silent auction. One of the most extensive in town, the Irish Evening silent auction truly has something for everyone.

#5: An Amazing Cause

All proceeds from this annual fundraiser directly benefit United Cerebral Palsy’s client services for more than 1,000 North Alabama families. UCP a non-profit organization operating two regional centers in Huntsville for individuals with cerebral palsy and those representing approximately 156 additional diagnoses.

This fundraiser enables UCP to provide physical, occupational and speech therapies, respite, technology assistance, inclusion services, family counseling, support groups, preschool readiness classes, and many more services to our clients and their families.

“Reduced event expenses will increase sponsorship and donation dollars to directly benefit UCP client services. We hope both longtime and new UCP supporters alike will embrace these exciting changes to our largest annual fundraiser and join us March 15,” Tracy told me.

More UCP

• Visit the United Cerebral Palsy website
• Read about past United Cerebral Palsy events

Event Information

Date: Friday, March 15th
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Depot Roundhouse
Cost: $25 per person; One child 12 and under is free with each paid adult ticket
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online, at UCP Huntsville Centers, by phone at 256-859-4900