File Photo by Derek Redd Kody Tuttle of Wheeling participates in the sheaf toss as last year’s Highland Games at Oglebay Park.

WHEELING — St. Patrick’s Day will be a weekend-long celebration this year, with events scheduled throughout the Ohio Valley both Saturday and Sunday celebrating Irish culture.

The biggest event will come Saturday at Oglebay Park, when the park’s Shamrock Showdown is in full swing. Throughout the day, events will be held around Camp Russel, Levenson Shelter and Wilson Lodge’s Hickman Bar & Grill.

Irish road bowling kicks off the day at 10 a.m. at Camp Russel, with registration starting at 9 a.m. at Levenson Shelter. At noon, the Highland Games will begin, as those who had registered will compete in a number of Celtic-themed events like the stone put, hammer throw and sheaf toss. Following the Highland Games, a Leprakhantest and beard judging will be held at Camp Russel.

Live music will be part of the festival the entire day. Bagpiper Michael Loborec will perform from noon-3 p.m., then bagpiper Betsy Bethel-McFarland takes over from 3-5 p.m. At Camp Russel, Dee & Paddy perform from noon-3 p.m., followed by Faire May from 3-5 p.m. Faire May will then move up to Hickman Bar & Grill for a performance from 7-10 p.m.

A “Top ‘O The Mornin'” breakfast buffet will be held at Hickman from 6:30-11 a.m., and food concessions and a beer garden will be found around Camp Russel from noon-6 p.m.

The party doesn’t stop on Sunday, the official St. Patrick’s Day. Events can be found throughout Wheeling. Generations will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at 9 a.m. and featuring green beer and green pierogies. Bridge Tavern and Grill will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Ceiliuradh from 1-6 p.m. Sunday that includes an Irish menu, Irish drink specials and music from Faire May from 4-6 p.m. The Silver Rail Bar and Grill will host a St. Patrick’s Day open jam from 1-4 p.m.

In Belmont County, several venues will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today. There will be a St. Patrick’s Day party at The Gold in Martins Ferry, as well as a celebration at Vino di Piccin Winery & Tasting House in Lansing starting at 11 a.m.

The Crumby Apron in Bridgeport will hold a St. Patrick’s Day party starting at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., the Blue Moon Tavern in Barnesville, Flanagans’ in Bellaire and Route 40 Lumberjaxe in Belmont will begin their celebrations. At 8 p.m., Chapz Bar and Grill in Belmont, Nicolozakes Cafe in St. Clairsville and the Central Grille in Shadyside will start their St. Patrick’s parties.