 "Photo:")
Scheduling changes this year mean classes will be in session during St. Patrick's Day, a marked difference from the past few academic years.
With Green Beer Day celebrations Thursday, Oxford bar and restaurant owners are unsure of what to anticipate for St. Patrick's Day celebrations March 17.
Andrew Amarantos, co-owner of Skipper's Pub, said this April will mark the bar's 25th year, and he cannot recall over all those years Miami University students ever being in Oxford for St. Patrick's Day. He said because of this uncertainty, it is impossible for bars to accurately predict student actions.
Nate Kron, manager of Brick Street Bar and Grill, said uptown bars have no way of knowing the number of students who plan on celebrating St. Patrick's Day. While Kron said he expects there will be a generous amount of people out on both days, the turnout on St. Patrick's Day will depend on the decisions of the actual students themselves.
"We'll see if St. Patty's elicits the need for students to go out and drink," Kron said. "Or are they going to go to class that day?"
Amarantos said some Oxford bar owners and city police met last week to discuss the double celebrations. He said this is why there is little planned for Skipper's on
St. Patrick's Day. As far as he knows, Amarantos said the bar will be open as usual at 11 a.m., perhaps an hour earlier.
"We're just trying to do what the community feels (is) best," Amarantos said.
Brian Hoelzer, owner of The Balcony Bar and The Blue Room, said he is skeptical about seeing large crowds of celebrating students on St. Patrick's Day.
Hoelzer said he has nothing special planned for his two establishments. Balcony, he said, will open for its usual happy hour operation at 4 p.m. and Blue Room, which is usually closed on Tuesdays, will probably open in the late afternoon.
Miami senior Bryan St. Marie said he expects students will decide to party harder on Green Beer Day because not only is it a Miami tradition, but because it's also a Thursday and more students are out of classes with spring break approaching.
However, St. Marie said he remains optimistic of student participation on both days.
"Spring break is supposed to be a break, right?" he said. "Everyone better be back drinking on St. Patrick's Day."
Buffalo Wild Wings Assistant General Manager Sam Schreiber said he is also confident in the lure of St. Patrick's Day. Schreiber said Buffalo Wild Wings is expecting a crowd, which is why the bar and grill is opening at 5:30 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day and offering the same specials as Green Beer Day.
Hoelzer said he has no doubt which holiday will be the greater celebrated day this year.
"It's always going to be Green Beer Day," he said. "People are getting ready for spring break and getting ready to have some beers in Panama City."
