PALM COAST, Fla. (March 17, 2024) – When it’s time for a good time there are fewer places people want to be than the European Village. Hosting the traditional St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Sunday, the Palm Coast hot spot was bursting at the seams with revelers decked out in green, who went all out to enjoy the holiday, Irish or not.
“Everybody’s Irish today,” said Michael Clair, co-owner of the custom art and décor business FlipFlop Guys from Flagler Beach, enthusiastically.
Scott Campion, owner of the Cork & Pint, was thrilled to see the turnout in between serving up orders of corned beef and cabbage all afternoon.
As president of the European Village Commercial Association, he and fellow business owners have made it a point to capitalize on big holidays by providing plenty of free, themed entertainment, and it’s become the go-to place in Palm Coast for events like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and New Year’s Eve.
Coinciding with the weekly Sunday Farmer’s Market, it was an economic boom for businesses in the area as restaurants were packed, the beer was flowing, and Irish eyes were smiling.
“For the last 10 years, we’ve really become the place for St. Patrick’s Day. And it landed on a Sunday and we have a farmer’s market, so it’s a double whammy,” said Campion, sharing more good news that the only two vacant commercial units are currently in negation with new tenants.
“I’m so happy for the success of the European Village. It’s such a fun place and once we get these next two restaurants open, it’s going to be crazy,” he said.
Flagler Tallow Co. owner Sara Rinker, a weekly farmer’s market vendor, said the day had been good as she readied for the next wave of shoppers to walk off their lunches.
“It’s been really busy here today. Of course, the restaurants and the bars are full so once people finish up lunch we expect more business, and traffic to go through here,” she said.
Crowds swelled throughout the day and entertainment from the DJ and the bagpipers kept the mood upbeat and the festivities going strong.
Patrick Juliano, also known as The Paddy Piper, drew nods of appreciation for his bagpiping skills during several sets at The Village Pub & Deli.
“The sound of bagpipes are synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day,” said Juliano, in between commemorative photos with revelers. “It’s exciting to share my passion of playing the bagpipes with our community on such a great holiday.”
PalmCoastNow contributed to this report.
