Lake George streets fill with Irish revelry

The second annual Sham ‘Rock’ the Block Irish festival drew hundreds to the village streets this weekend, March 17 and 18. Building on the success of last year’s one-day festival, Lower Amherst Street businesses scheduled two full days of live music, Celtic games, food and craft vendors, wagon and pony rides, face painting and bounce houses.

Activities centered on Lower Amherst, which had been blocked off from traffic, and the parking lot of Bella’s Deli where an outdoor stage saw Irish step dancers, Celtic musicians, and local rock bands. Draft ale flowed from taps at the outdoor beer garden while hamburgers, hotdogs and sausages sizzled on barbeque grills.

At noon on Sunday the first annual Lake George St. Patrick’s Day parade began its procession at Ft. William Henry, ending at the Boardwalk Restaurant on Lower Amherst Street. The Sons and Daughters of Erin Pipe Band of Albany lead the parade which included The Wild Acres Irish Step Dancers, New York State Corrections Emerald Society Pipe Band, floats from local businesses, The Oriental Shriners of Troy, Zumba dancers and Girl scouts.

Local skateboarders, who have been raising funds to build a skate plaza in town, set up rails, ramps and boxes along Lower Amherst and demonstrated their skills on the sloping village street.

Sunday’s action also included a “for fun” dog show. Dog owners paraded their pets, many in Irish themed costumes, demonstrating their special talents. Winner of the dog show was “Cash” from Bolton Landing. His owner Michelle walked away with the prize, a gift basket of dog items.