Welcome to our second Weekend Wednesday - we hope you are able to enjoy getting out and about in St. Louis this weekend! Spring is almost here and it looks as if the weather on Saturday and Sunday will allow for some outdoor celebrating. Also remember, if you would like to recommend any events or activities please send an email to angela@neteffects.com. Enjoy!

Saturday, March 16th - Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - Irishparade.org[/caption]This year’s parade will start at noon beginning at 20th and Market streets, proceeding east to conclusion at Broadway and Clark. This celebration is “rain or shine” so make sure to plan accordingly! According to the parade website, “Regularly noted as one of the top in the country, the parade was comprised of over 120 units, including marching bands, floats, huge cartoon-character balloons, 5000+ marchers, and lots of clowns. Over 250,000 spectators regularly attend, the largest of any event in downtown St. Louis, packing the streets with smiling Irish eyes and festive green attire.” For more information (including parking) visit irishparade.org

Saturday, March 16th - Cottleville St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Shamrock Run and Parade takes place in St. Charles County Saturday with The Shamrock Run starting at 8am and the Parade taking place from noon-2pm. Food/beverage coolers, chairs, and other portable items are welcome, making for a fun family event. There will be approximately 100 floats and walking groups in this year’s parade! For more information www.shamrockparade.com

Saturday/Sunday - Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

If all of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities have you looking for a serene escape, check out the Butterfly House at Faust Park in Chesterfield. A division of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly house is an 8k square foot conservatory made from glass housing more than 60 species of butterflies in free flight. There is much to explore so make sure to check it out! If the weather is as nice as predicted, check out the rest of Faust Park which includes a carousel, walking paths and a fantastic playground. For more facts about the Butterfly House visit www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

All Weekend - Sauce on the Side - Multiple Locations

Complete your St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a very non-traditional calzone! This month’s special is the Blarney Zone - a calzone with corned beef, pastrami, swiss, smoked gouda and white wine herbed onions. The calzone is served with horseradish ranch “on the side.” Sauce on the Side is a neteffects employee favorite that we highly recommend! There are a few locations: Downtown, Clayton, The Grove and Chesterfield. For more information: sauceontheside.com