March 16, 2009

The luck of the Irish for students at California State University, Fresno may hinge on alcohol safety, so when St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, the theme will be "The Lucky Alternative."

The alternative to alcohol at the event will be mocktails (nonalcoholic drinks), mocktail recipe books and green bracelets that read "Don't Drink and Drive." The celebration will be held on the University Student Union balcony overlooking the Pit.

It will include a performance by the McTeggart Irish Dancers, contests for best Irish accent, best Irish jig and wearing the most green.

“The celebration is an opportunity for students to recognize the importance of alcohol safety while having fun,” said Debbie Monroe, student coordinator for the Office of Traffic Safety Alcohol Grant, who said there is an additional lucky alternative. “Instead of going out and partying on St. Patrick’s Day, we invite students to join us for a free movie night.”

At 7 p.m., the movie, “Yes Man” starring Jim Carrey, will be screened in the Satellite Student Union following a performance by the McTeggart Irish Dancers.

All events are free and open to students, staff and faculty.

The event is sponsored by USU Productions, the Office of Traffic Safety, Golden Key Honour Society, Associated Students Inc., and Health Promotion and Wellness Services.

For more information, contact Monroe at dls22@csufresno.edu.