Haddon Township Buzzes with St. Patrick’s Day Festivities and Business Boom
Haddon Township, New Jersey, transformed into a sea of emerald green this past Saturday as its highly anticipated two-day St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl officially commenced. The vibrant event, stretching along the bustling Haddon Avenue, not only provided a spirited celebration for attendees but also injected a significant boost into the local business community.
From lively bars and energetic dance floors to crowded sidewalks, the township was alive with the festive spirit of the holiday. The pub crawl attracted a diverse crowd, with participants of all ages joining in the revelry. Notably, some were marking their very first St. Patrick’s Day celebration, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the occasion.
Among the attendees were young families embracing the opportunity to enjoy the community atmosphere. Christian Roach, for instance, was present with his five-week-old daughter, Charlotte. “My baby is five weeks old, so any chance to get out of the house I’m going to take it,” Roach shared, highlighting the event’s appeal for those seeking a change of scenery. Another young attendee, ten-month-old Charlie Halter, was also making his inaugural appearance at the holiday festivities, much to the amusement of his father, Jim, who playfully advised, “Just don’t drink till you’re 21, buddy.”
Beyond the joyous celebrations and the clinking of glasses, the pub crawl served as a powerful catalyst for local commerce. Businesses lining Haddon Avenue experienced a substantial influx of customers, with many reporting record-breaking activity.
One such establishment, Duo, which recently celebrated its grand opening just a week prior to the event, saw its parking lot transformed into a lively gathering space. With music filling the air and patrons mingling, the restaurant’s marketing manager, Jay Marsdale, expressed his delight at the fortuitous timing. “You can’t beat it,” Marsdale stated enthusiastically. “Everybody sees it’s now open, you see it on the sign. So I think everybody coming in passing by — great foot traffic, great exposure.” The pub crawl provided an invaluable platform for the new eatery to gain visibility and connect with the community.
The positive economic impact extended even to establishments that do not directly serve alcoholic beverages. At Bricco Coal Fired Pizza, the aroma of grilled hot dogs wafted from an outdoor setup as staff served customers stopping in for a bite between their pub crawl stops. Jackson Zalkind, a server at the restaurant, emphasized the benefit of the increased foot traffic. “It’s just nice having a lot of people walk around in the town because people want to stop in and get food,” he explained. The presence of the pub crawl crowd translated into tangible business for these establishments, demonstrating the event’s broad economic reach.
The day was further enhanced by the presence of sunny weather and an abundance of live music, creating an atmosphere that encouraged leisurely strolls between venues. Many attendees simply relished the opportunity to wander, soak in the festive ambiance, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit. “The sun is out, everyone’s vibing. I think it’s great,” commented Vilma Diaz, encapsulating the general sentiment of enjoyment and camaraderie.
The festivities are far from over. The Haddon Township St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is set to continue its celebration on Tuesday, coinciding with the official St. Patrick’s Day. Many of the participating bars and restaurants are planning to host an array of additional attractions, including more live music performances, enticing food specials, and further opportunities for community engagement, ensuring the celebratory spirit continues to thrive.
