Norfolk, Va. - St. Patrick's Day may be next week, but the people of Ghent in Norfolk are already celebrating.
The 22nd Annual Shamrockin' in Ghent is going down in the streets Friday night.
Every March, Colley Avenue, one of the most popular streets in Norfolk's Historic Ghent District shuts down for a serious party.
"It's the block party of the year, its very community friendly," says Elena Montello, the Development Director at Hope House. "And if you're a St. Patrick's Day partier then you need to come Friday and then your whole week will be off to a great start. And I think it give you luck of the Irish a little bit."
Crowds flock to the street to eat, drink, and get in the Irish spirit with a little help from The Fighting Jamesons and The Deloreons.
"You'll see people dressed up as leprechauns, to dogs dressed up, to people decked out all in green," says Kelly Johnson, with Southern Bank. "You could just sit back and watch the people go by and have a wonderful time."
Hope House has partnered with Southern Bank to put on the big event. You can expect some great music, food trucks, and lots of beer, but it's not just for the rowdy St. Paddy's partiers...
"In the beginning, you know, its fun to watch the families. They come out and the parents want to have a few local brews and the kids watch the pipe and drums and just get a great little St. Patrick's Day feel," says Montello, "and then it builds up into a really fun evening for everybody to start celebrating
Shamrockin' in Ghent starts Friday, March 11 at 6pm. Drink tickets are $5 and benefit Hope House, which is the only organization in the state that supports adults with disabilities exclusively in their own homes.
