It’s said everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
Ed Daquila, of Lower Burrell, found out through some ancestral investigation that he is, in fact, a little Irish.
“Very little, but it’s there,” he said.
That genetic bond, however small, may have helped Daquila feel right at home at Pittsburgh Brewing in East Deer on Saturday, where for a third year in a row the home of Iron City became Irish City in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
He was found playing cornhole with his friend, Jessica McCorkle of West Deer, outside on the brewery grounds. It was their first time at the event.
“It sounded like a fun time,” he said. “This place is awesome.”
A festive and friendly atmosphere permeated the brewery grounds along the Allegheny River, where drink, food and fun could be found inside and out.
Irish music boomed from the grounds as bands performed on an outdoor stage for a crowd largely attired in various shades of green.
“It’s nice to see everybody happy,” said Billy Andrews, who came from West Lebanon in Indiana County with his wife, Carrie, and their friends. “This is the most amazing thing around the Pittsburgh area. There’s nothing like it around here.”
Pittsburgh Brewing sold 2,700 tickets for the event, its president, Todd Zwicker, said. It began with a breakfast in the morning — kegs and eggs — and a parade.
“Every year the event sells out quicker,” he said.
There was lots of green beer and plenty of vendors. The brewery and its grounds were unaffected by the windy weather that impacted much of the area Friday night.
“Every year it’s gotten a little bit bigger,” Zwicker said. “The weather is a little chilly, but at least it’s sunny out.”
Frank Sarno, of Lower Burrell, said he and his wife, Erian, went to Irish City instead of the parade in downtown Pittsburgh. They got matching shamrock tattoos while there.
Frank said it’s been years since he went to the city’s parade, which he’d only done twice. He’s been to Irish City each of its three years.
“I’d rather go to smaller events like this,” he said. “It’s not too crazy. It’s more relaxed.”
Downtown was also too crazy with too many people for Lisa Mundekis of Springdale, who has also come every year. She was there with her husband and friends.
“It’s just a great place. It’s set up nice,” she said. “People come from everywhere.”
The Sarnos were there for breakfast and were going to be there all day.
“We Ubered in and we’re going to Uber out,” he said.
They found the beer lines were moving pretty quickly.
“The longest lines are the bathrooms,” Frank said.
Carrie Andrews was among those seeing the brewery for the first time.
“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “It’s a lot bigger than I expected, and a bigger crowd. I can’t believe how many people come.”
Mariah Simpson and her boyfriend, Luke Gaughan, from Saltsburg, similar reactions.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said. “It’s big and there’s lots to do.”
Their friends had told them to get tickets, Gaughan said.
“It’s a lot bigger and cleaner than I thought it would be,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll come back.”
Keely Lewis, of Harrison, had been to the brewery before but was at Irish City for the first time.
“I love it. I’m Irish blood. These are definitely my type of people.”
Lewis was considering getting a tattoo.
“Give me a couple more drinks,” she said, “and I might.”