Halfway to St. Patty’s Day Bash to take over Chelsea’s Café this Sunday, Sept. 13

The Halfway to St. Patty’s Day Bash will offer an open bar with green beer and Jell-O shots, plus a jambalaya dinner and a screening of the Saints game.

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When it comes to holidays in Baton Rouge, few are rowdier or more iconic than the Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Seas of green-clad locals mob Garden District streets and Perkins Road, while parties spring up on every corner to celebrate the much-awaited day.

A friendly feud between two of these dueling parties has led to the creation of the Halfway Krewe and their festive truce: the Halfway to St. Patty’s Day Bash.

Slated for Sunday, Sept. 13, the bash began as a way for Emergent Method vice president John Snow and director of training Julie Laperouse to combine their annual competing parties. Now, it’s grown into an event with a cause.

“Julie and I decided that we would use the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day… to throw a party that results in zero damaged friendships and hundreds of good times to be had,” says Snow, the Halfway Krew host. “And, when you can interject a couple of great causes into the mix, it makes it a win-win for all.”

The bash, which marks six months to St. Patrick’s Day, will take over Chelsea’s Café with all the classic features of the holiday—an open bar, jambalaya dinner, green beer and Jell-O shots. Leading the merriment will be the Halfway Krewe’s honorary grand marshall, Food Network Star runner-up and local culinary celebrity Jay Ducote.

Proceeds from every $40 ticket will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.

“I’ve had these two ideas in my head for a while now,” Laperouse says. “I wanted to throw a halfway to St. Patrick’s day party, and I also wanted to do something to increase awareness for Parkinson’s Disease, which runs in my family.”

The bash will rock the Perkins overpass neighborhood 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., and the Halfway Krewe hopes to kick off a new tradition for each September. Tickets can be purchased via EventBrite.

Hosts for the event include Julie & Paul Laperouse, John & Reagan Snow, Emily & Brad Boudreaux, Ethan Bush, Kristin & Steve Diehl, Andre Guidry, Lauren & Andy Hatcher, Molly & Per Holmgren, Courtney Holbrook, Erin & Parker Kilgore, Nial Patel, Nick & Abbie Speyrer and Kelli & Eric Troutman.