Runners take off as the horn sounds on the starting line at a previous Shamrock Shuffle 5K in Harmony. Butler Eagle File Photo

As a person with Irish in my blood, it is my duty to remind you that our holiday is fast approaching. That’s right — St. Patrick’s Day.

While many observe this day by drinking with friends, pinching others or calling me a leprechaun (I’m 5 feet tall, with red hair to boot), I see it as an opportunity to indulge in traditionally Irish entertainment or food.

Believe it or not, the Irish have contributed more to pop culture than just the worldwide recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a few examples, since we haven’t had a list in a while:

So, this week I would encourage you to investigate something on the above list as an ode to Ireland. Also, you should consider attending a St. Patrick’s Day-themed event in Butler County.

But don’t ignore the non-Irish events; they’re just as abundant!

Join YMCA volunteers at 9 a.m. Friday as they help clean the Lighthouse Foundation food pantry, 116 Browns Hill Road in Middlesex Township. This is a great opportunity to help this organization serve our community. For more information, visit bcfymca.org.

It’s time for the 73rd Annual Antiques Show and Sale at the Tanglewood Center, 10 Austin Ave., Butler Township. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 on Friday and $10 for Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit intermediateleague.org.

Moniteau School District is performing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 7 p.m. Friday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The musical includes over one hundred students in grades four through 12. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by emailing ksutton@moniteau.org.

Butler Area School District's all-school musical, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” is sure to make you laugh your socks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Butler Senior High School auditorium, 120 Campus Lane. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or at Mays Music Shoppe. For more information, visit shs.basdk12.org.

“Cry It Out” is the fourth installment of Butler Little Theatre’s season, and follows the story of two new mothers and their blooming friendship. This show is sure to move you! Performances run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and into next week. Tickets can be purchased at the door of 1 Howard St. for $15 or online by visiting butlerlittletheatre.com.

The Shamrock Shuffle run is gracing the streets of Harmony once again this Saturday, thanks to the Rotary Club of Zelienople. Sign up at getfitfamilies.com for the 7:30 a.m. half marathon, the 10:15 a.m. 5K or the 11 a.m. fun run. This is an event for all ages, as spectators and participants can enjoy food, music and more. For more information, visit zelienoplerotary.org.

A clothing giveaway is being held at New Beginnings Free Methodist Church, 416 Center Ave. in Butler, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. There will be infant to adult sizes available. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Try your luck at the Designer Purse Bash for St. Wendelin School, 211 Saint Wendelin Road, Butler, which starts at noon Sunday. Tickets cost $30 and allow you to access a multitude of raffles, games and even lunch. Bring your own drinks and snacks. For more information, visit the event Facebook page or contact Nicole Karenbauer 724-290-8611 or rjkarenbauer@zoominternet.net.

Get “The Buzz on Bees” at Jennings Environmental Education Center from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Join members of the Central Western PA Beekeepers Association in the Jennings classroom, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, as they discuss the life of the honey bee. There is no registration required. For more program information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.

Audition for Butler Little Theatre’s production of “Exit Laughing” at 7 p.m. Sunday or Monday, March 17. This is a hilarious comedy about four older women who regularly play cards together. When one dies, the other three seek to have one last wild time. The cast requires three women in their 50s, one woman between 18 and 25 years old, and one man in his 20s. There is no preparation required; just show up at 1 Howard St. ready to read through scenes. For more information on the play or other ways to get involved, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.