Rick Faust, general manager of the Original Oyster Bar in Market Square has always looked forward to the popular Saint Patrick’s Day parade and festivities because it is one of his best days of business each year.
This year, while the parade is still set for Saturday, March 13, he considered for a moment whether to even open on that day because of a massive construction project in around his business which will prevent the annual drunkfest on the square, but that doesn’t mean hundreds of thousands of people won’t flock downtown for the events.
It seems this year, instead of stumbling over to Market Square after the parade, Point Park students will have to bus or walk to the South Side or find another place to finish their revelry.
there will be no after. Although there will be “no drinking in the street this year, patrons are still allowed to drink, on the sidewalk that will be roped off.” Said Faust.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a major celebrated holiday in Pittsburgh. The whole weekend is an endless party that brings all ages downtown for non-stop fun. Point Park students on campus might awake to a parade that travels down Boulevard of the Allies, that starts early morning. Market square has been a beloved attraction for St. Patrick’s Day party-goers year after year. Filled with bands, green beer, green party favors and men and women in blue uniform market square is by far the most ample of spots for St. Patrick’s Day. This year however, as some may of seen, construction is going to put a damper on the events.
Faust still plans to do well but is expecting a little less business due to the construction. “We plan to have our main area open plus two dining areas for this event.”
Casey Lewis, an employee of Primanti Brothers in market square, says they will also be open this holiday during construction. “We will have our usual two rows of tables and seats set up outside, that create more room, we don’t think the construction will impact us a whole lot.”
The construction that impacted market square has been working since October. The City Scape project of Pittsburgh organized the construction to be done and the goal is to compose better and easier access through market square. Facchiano Construction and one other company have been contracted with the work to better market square. Dave, an employee for Facchiano Construction stated that “all new roads and all new sidewalks are being put in and revamped for easy access an overall better looking market square.” Water lines, gas lines and electricity are all being replaced and the roadway infrastructure will better the city. “I have no idea how long we are going to be here, but a general guess is a least a few more months,” said Dave.
Students familiar with the market square extravaganza are somewhat disappointed about the literal closing of market square, but that doesn’t mean the open businesses open won’t provide. There are always other places to travel to in Pittsburgh, seeing as the whole city celebrates this astonishing holiday. Dave Grabski, is a junior Intelligence and National Security major and has previously only been familiar with the market square event on St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s the only place I’ve ever been to, but I plan on going to the Southside because I’m 21, and it’s a fun place to be.” The Southside of Pittsburgh is known for its bars and nightlife, St. Patrick ’s Day will be filled with students and party people alike. Grabski states that “the construction in market square in inconvenient, but long term it’s for the better and there are always other places to party.”
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