It’s another busy weekend in the Magic City thanks to St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Monday. That’s giving lots of folks the idea to start the party way early on Friday.

And by way early on Friday we mean 11:30 a.m. Head out from the office for lunch early and enjoy the 23^rd annual ONB St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We won’t tell if you just don’t decide to go back. The parade will travel FROM Five Points South TO Linn Park along the Birmingham Green. (Yeah, I didn’t know we had a “Birmingham Green” either.) It’s going to be a little more sci-fi than normal since OmegaCon kicks off the same day. So it won’t just be the green beer that has you seeing Stormtroopers and Trekkies. (That’s right Trekkies because I’m not arguing with Gene Roddenberry.)

So I mentioned OmegaCon is starting on Friday. This is Birmingham’s first attempt at hosting a Con as they are called and I hope they have a good turnout. Seems like the county could use the tourism dollars. It will be all things science fiction and fantasy 24/7 at the downtown Sheraton through Sunday. If you can imagine it or watch it on TV, it’ll be there. The part that I’m most excited about is the Saturday film fest because the post-apocalyptic fairytale shot in Huntsville with Hollywood talent “Like Moles, Like Rats” is screening at 9 p.m. I’ll disclose that I’m related to the folks behind it and did a tiny bit on work on it, so I think you really, really should GO SEE IT! And it’s followed by a local production you may have heard of “Hide and Creep.” I’m all for supporting our Alabama filmmakers. Con weekend passes are $40 or you can get day passes for $15. Kids 6-12 half-price, under 6 free.

So after the parade and before the movies start, the place to be Friday is the Terminal’s 1st Anniversary party. Enjoy food, drinks, door prizes and a great view of the Magic City from the top floor of the former Protective Life/Chamber of Commerce building, 2027 1^st Avenue North. Come out and support your favorite hub for information and conversation and let us thank you for that support. Bring a used cell phone to get in free or sign up for our newsletter, the express, for a ticket discount. Everyone else, $10.

Finally, on to Saturday.

Check out the first-ever Clover Crawl from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m in downtown Homewood. Kick things off at the new Green Resource Center for Alabama. Then take a stroll around for great specials and discounts on food, drink and “green” products. Looks like they’ve planned some activities for the kids too.

Saturday afternoon, bring your chair and relax to some good Blues in a great funky outdoor setting from 2-6 p.m. The headliner of this Magic City Blues Society event at Tres’ Taylors Art Studio is one-man band John-Alex Mason. His latest CD “Town & Country” just hit No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Blues Chart. In addition, two great local bands will be on hand: Bruce Andrews and George Dudley are bringing the Lucky Stiffs out of retirement and Elnora Spencer and her ESP Band. The studio is located in Avondale at 430 41st St. (on the corner of 5th Avenue South across from park). Cost is $5/BYOB.

Sunday, well I guess you should just rest up for Monday. I hope everyone has a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day.