March, an interesting month. Not quite winter, not quite spring. Although March does not have any official bank holidays—it does include Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), St. Patrick’s Day, Daylight Savings Time, the spring equinox and the start of Easter. It also means “spring break” for many students.
Fat Tuesday, which the southern United States celebrates in a big way, was on March 1. It is the celebration prior to Ash Wednesday (March 2) where rich, fatty foods and drink are often consumed before the Lenten season of sacrifices and fasting begins.
March 17 brings us St. Patrick’s Day—when everyone has a wee bit of the Irish in ‘em. Corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes are served at many American homes, and whiskey and Guinness are consumed in large amounts. One source notes that as many as 13 MILLION pints of the rich, roasty, stout are consumed worldwide.
We’ll be springing ahead on Sunday, March 13 as Daylight Saving Time begins. Be sure to reset your clocks and watches an hour ahead so you won’t be late for whatever you have planned on Monday.
On Sunday, March 20 we celebrate the spring equinox. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Equinox comes from the Latin words “equal night”—giving us an almost equal length of day and night in all parts of the world. It’s when the amount of daylight increases a little bit more each day until we reach the summer solstice in June.
And then there’s the “spring break” holiday that is celebrated at various times from primary school to college. Looking for something to get you through the week or two? Why not try:
- Wisconsin Dells – offers indoor waterparks, an underworld arcade, escape rooms and more.
- Manitowish Waters Area – for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country ski trails. No snow? Take hike or bike ride.
- Falls Bowl – take a drive to Chippewa Falls for some family fun.
- Micon Cinemas – another area favorite to enjoy blockbuster movies, reserved seating, pizza and more!
- Bloomer Area Aquatic & Recreation Center – take a dip, a swim or a water aerobics class.
- Bloomer Public Library – share a story, rent a movie, listen to an audio book or CD. The library is also offering “Take and Make” activity kits each Monday this March, while supplies last.
Whatever you do this month, enjoy! And if we can believe the Farmers’ Almanac, this month should end with good weather—“The weather comes in like a lion (roaring) and goes out like a lamb (gentle).”
