Much of the world turns green today even if you are not one of the lucky ones to be Irish. Originally St. Patrick's Day was a religous holiday to honor St. Patrick. Today, many celebrate by eating the traditional St. Patrick's day dish, corned beef and cabbage. Many wash it down with a pint of Irish beer or a shot of Irish whiskey. The following local Wisconsin Rapids establishments offer a few St. Patrick's Day perks:

Long, long ago the Irish accomplished an incredible feat: They rescued the books of the Western world from a destructive world and preserved them for all humankind.

Here's what was happening on March 17th in 1762...

Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

The legendary and beloved American Folk group, The Kingston Trio will perform March 18, 7:30PM at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids. We look forward to filling the house in warm welcome to these notable performers. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $15 Students. Celebrate the closing of our successful 2009-2010 season with our Mother’s Day Special Event. May 9th, 2010 at 7:30PM, the delightful harmonies of the quintet Five by Design bring us their vaudeville variety show “Stay Tuned” – a musical and theatrical entertainment that focuses on the time when television ruled the airwaves and variety was king. Tickets are $28 for Adults and $15 for students.

Cudahy — A 40 year-old man whose car was being chased by South Milwaukee Police died from a gunshot wound Wednesday night when his car crashed with another vehicle near Cudahy's border with South Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Super Steel Chairman Fred Luber on Wednesday attacked Gov. Jim Doyle's administration and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for their roles in handing a major state contract to Spanish company Talgo and providing it incentives to build a factory on the north side.