Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > March > 18 > Entry
SXSW 28: Green at Fourth and Lavaca
Heading from the amicable Fleadh Austin at the Fourth Street Fort to the more established, roped-off St. Patrick’s Day festival at Fourth and Lavaca streets, I passed SXSW guests bemused by this improvised Green Circuit. While the Fleadh was free, the tented fest outside Fado’s cost $15. Costumes, beads and funny hats proliferated.
Erin Johnson and Caitlin Kuhn
I encountered something unexpected for Austin: The closest we come to Irish toughs. Here were a couple dozen guys, bulked up, wearing the green like a dare, horseplaying early in the afternoon, but looking entirely capable of scuffling as the hours and the beers passed. (I’ve carefully considered this report and I don’t think I’m stereotyping my own people. I was relieved to see a uniformed officer or two on alert in case of hormonal over exuberance.)
Imriel, Carrie and Elliot Ahr
Of course, the vast majority in the crowd proved gentle, laughing, hoisting children up for others to see, carefully sipping their libations. I left fairly early — after checking in with benevolent Saba owner Joe Reynolds — then looped back later during my SXSW evening. The mood was ecstatic.
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