Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why the Villas at Carrington Square in Overland Park, Kansas, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month.
Ramadan is also taking place during March, and while it of course is a very serious observance, it comes to a close with its own celebration—Eid al-Fitr.
Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds!
From shamrocks to the Sweet Sixteen, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food.
The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists to the ALDI off Antioch Road on West 135th Street to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that?
Gameday Gatherings
When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in the Villas at Carrington Square resident entertainment center to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found.
Build Your Bracket
It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas.
The Wearing Of The Green
While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish!
This year the annual Downtown Overland Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place Saturday, March 8, beginning at 10 a.m. (rain or shine!) at 79th and Floyd. Dress up your li’l leprechauns in green and celebrate at this family-friendly event! And plan to grab a bite and a pint after! Faith and begorrah!
Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, a day celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. It’s also a highly social time, as people invite each other to breakfast together and meet for prayers at the mosque.
In 2025, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon. This day signifies the end of fasting and serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding. Eid al-Fitr means “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and two favorite items usually on the menu are Sheer Khurma, a creamy and flavorful vermicelli pudding, and ma’amoul, Lebanese date cookies.
The Idea Specialists™ can testify that both are delicious!
* The Idea Specialists™ *
The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.