Parade Highlights A Weekend Of Activities In Morris County: 7 Things To Do

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Irish eyes will be smiling this weekend in Morris County with the return of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown.

And that's just one of several events in store this weekend around the county. The calendar also includes a St. Paddy's Day 5K race, the Maple Sugar Festival, a spring craft show, and a presentation of "Into The Woods" at West Morris Mendham High School.

The forecast calls for rain on Saturday and some thunderstorms possible Saturday night, before a period of strong winds; Morris County residents could see wind gusts of almost 50 miles per hour on Saturday and Sunday.

Here's a look at what's going on this weekend, from Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10.

St. Patrick's Parade of Morris County, Morristown (Saturday)

Break out your finest green attire for this popular parade, as the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Morris County and more than 120 groups march through downtown Morristown.

This year's parade will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 12 p.m. — rain or shine. It steps off from Town Hall at South Street and James Street. There are pre- and post-parade activities going on around the Green, too. (Read more on Patch.)

St. Paddy's Day 5K, Morris Township (Saturday)

The race begins and ends at Ginty Field in Morris Township, with the start time at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female runners, and the top three in each age group. Prizes will also be given out for the best costumes.

If you still need to sign up, you may do so at Ginty Field on the morning of the race. Then, stick around for the post-run party.

Maple Sugar Festival, Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham (Saturday)

Get a closer look at how maple syrup is made, and pick some up to take home too. The Maple Sugar Festival also features games, crafts, maple cream-making, history hikes, and demonstrations on how to tap maple trees and evaporate the sap.

The event is Saturday, March 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 per person for ages 3 and up.

"Into the Woods," West Morris Mendham High School (Friday-Saturday)

The Mendham Players take on this Stephen Sondheim show for their spring musical, which is inspired by Grimm Brothers fairy tales. Will the characters be able to find "the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold?"

Show times this weekend are Friday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $20.

Spring CraftMorristown, Morristown Armory (Friday-Sunday)

Spend the day browsing the work of 175 different craft artists. Find one-of-a-kind fashions, accessories, jewelry, and sculptural work of all kinds as well as paints, prints, drawings and much more. Handcrafted specialty food and beverages are also available.

The craft fair is open Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $11, with seniors (62+) admitted for $9 and those under 16 admitted for free. Parking is free.

New Jersey Ballet’s "Leap into Spring," Mayo Performing Arts Center (Saturday-Sunday)

This mixed program combines "a stellar lineup of ballet performances" including George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco" and the wedding pas de deux from "Don Quixote." Performances are Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are between $39 and $69.

Morris Winter Farmer's Market, Morris Township (Sunday)

Local farmers, ranchers, and makers set up shop at the Convent Train Station in Morris Township from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sundays, presented by Grow it Green Morristown. Stop by to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, and much more.