March 9th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

According to the dictionary the word “hooley” is defined as a noisy, merry party. With a bit of Irish luck, Downtown Cumberland will be the epitome of that word when Cumberland celebrates the 17^th annual St. Paddy’s Day Hooley Pub Crawl on Saturday, March 14.

“The Hooley was the brainchild of the band Shanty Irish and it was an immediate success”, commented Jennifer Light of the Downtown Development Commission. The band is still an integral part of the celebration and according to Light “it just seems to grow in popularity every year”.

This year’s Hooley will be the largest to date with more than 20 participating restaurants, clubs, bars and pubs. The festivities will kick off at noon on Saturday with each of the participating locations offering food and drink specials any many providing live music or entertainment. The Shanty Irish will be performing throughout the event at various locations.

As an added benefit to the pub crawlers, a free trolley will be circulating the city from 2 to 8 pm, picking up and dropping off participants at seven different points. The stops are: Downtown (corner of Harrison and Centre Street); Geatz’s Restaurant (Paca Street); Woodchux (Greene Street); the Outdoor Club (Industrial Boulevard); the 200 Block of Virginia Avenue; Patrick’s Pub (Rolling Mill) and the corner of Park and Harrison Streets.

With the cooperation of the Cumberland City Police, the Mayor and City Council and the Downtown Development Commission, several downtown streets will be closed on Saturday for pedestrian use only.

Pershing Street will be closed to traffic at noon. Parking will be restricted on Centre Street from Harrison Street to Baltimore Street at noon as it is on Pershing Street and the MPA lot #7 – Merchants Alley.  Parking will not be permitted on Liberty Street after 3 pm. Centre Street and Liberty Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic at 4 pm or slightly earlier depending upon the crowd. 

Patrons of the Hooley will be able to enjoy drinking from non-glass, open containers in the permissible areas from noon Saturday until 2 am Sunday. Patrons are reminded that they are not permitted to bring their own coolers or alcoholic beverages and that all glass containers are prohibited.  Pet owners are encouraged to leave their pet at home and, as always, responsible and respectful behavior is expected to ensure a safe and successful event that will help kick off the spring season in Downtown Cumberland.

For more Hooley Pub Crawl information including a complete schedule of events, as well as any future downtown event, please call 301-759-6443 or visit online at www.downtowncumberland.com or the Facebook page: DowntownCumberland.