Corktown’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
Every year (except 2020) the Detroit St. Patrick’s Day parade has rolled through Corktown the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. It’s been my honor and tradition for year’s now to…
Nancy Whiskey: Corktown’s St. Patrick’s Day Party destination. Doni hangs with Rich, Debbie, Dawn, Tonja, and Phil.
Donelle FlynnEvery year (except 2020) the Detroit St. Patrick's Day parade has rolled through Corktown the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day. It's been my honor and tradition for year's now to host the party at Nancy Whiskey on behalf of WCSX. The streets close at 10am for the Corktown 5K and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
A Wee Bit O' Corktown History
Corktown has been around since the 1820s. Corktown is Detroit's oldest neighborhood. The settlers were predominantly Irish. Like many places in Detroit, Corktown has seen huge strides in revitalization over the last couple of decades. For more on Corktown's history, visit detroithistorical.org. Nancy Whiskey has been a part of Corktown since 1902 and claims to have the longest uninterrupted liquor license in Detroit. Part of Nancy Whiskey's history rumors it to have been a speak easy during Prohibition. It also got a good deal of attention from the Washington Post, being dubbed "One of America's most authentic dive-bars."
Doni's Notes
I arrived at Nancy Whiskey a bit before 10am to beat the road closures and snag a good parking spot. The first time I went to Nancy Whiskey for the parade festivities, I was beyond surprised when I opened the door. Nancy Whiskey is located in an unexpectedly residential-ish area... more than the usual bar. At 10am on a Sunday, how much can possibly be going on? A crazy amount, actually. Years, later, I knew that when I opened that door at 10am on a Sunday, the place would already be packed.
Even with Daylight Saving Time springing us forward and snow on the ground in what had been a very mild winter, Nancy Whiskey was still bumping. Two people walked in a few steps ahead of me and I heard the crowd inside give them a warm welcome with a loud, "AAAAY!" As the door swung shut behind them, I thought, "Wow, they must be well known." I opened the door and the crowd welcomed me with a loud, "AAAAY!" This patterned continued and I loved it. As others arrived, I joined in as well. I figured the least I could do was be a part of giving others a welcome like I had received. I don't know who started it, but if you know, tell me, so I can buy them a drink.
My pictures are some of my favorite people I met or had the pleasure of seeing again at Nancy Whiskey. Scroll down to check out the photos. The Detroit Free Press did a great job of covering the actual parade. You can check out their pictures on the link below.
Corktown's St. Patrick's Day Party at Nancy Whiskey 3-10-2024
Austin ZidarA fresh paint job! Nancy Whiskey may have been around since 1902, but that paint on the sign is brand-spanking new. It looks great! Doni thinks so too.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
Austin ZidarWe got a "shot" of the bar. A Corktown staple for over 100 years, Nancy Whiskey has been serving up cold brews and making everyone who walks through her doors feel like a regular. Hmmm, a bar where everybody knows your name; I bet that would make a great tv show.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
Donielle FlynnI loved this group: Danette, Kelly, Kimmy, Kim O, Trisha, Casey, Rachel, and Adam. Adam's shamrock blazer was a definite standout at Nancy Whiskey.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
Donelle FlynnBirthday alert! Heidi was celebrating her birthday with friends, Scott, Carol, Kurt, Bonnita, and Andrea. Their group was also participating in the Corktown 5K. It's amazing how many people stop in at Nancy Whiskey for a couple of drinks and then go run 5k.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
And the best pants award goes to.... this guy. I fell out laughing when this leprechaun walked in with a man on his shoulders.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
Donelle FlynnMarty and Mike! I love these guys. I see them every year at Nancy Whiskey. We always have a great conversation and a drink or two. A pleasure to see you once again!
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
Austin ZidarYou don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and you certainly don’t have to wait until March 17th to have a good time at Nancy Whiskey. These ladies celebrated the occasion of the annual Detroit St. Patrick’s parade in their finest green with WCSX and Guinness to warm their spirits with a few cheerful spirits of their own.
Nancy Whiskey corktown Detroit St. Patrick's Day
