St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration. While many associate the holiday with parades, shamrocks, and all things green, it has a rich history worth remembering—the holiday honors Saint Patrick, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Interestingly, Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain but became well-known for his missionary work in Ireland.

Each year, the Irish Taoiseach (leader) presents a bowl of shamrocks to the U.S. President, a tradition that began in 1950. According to folklore, wearing green makes you invisible to mischievous leprechauns known for pinching those they see. This is why people often pinch those who forget to wear green! One of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happens in Chicago, where the river is dyed green. The effect lasts about five hours and has been a tradition since 1962.

While St. Patrick’s Day is a time for fun, it’s also important to celebrate responsibly. Many people don’t realize that DWIs (Driving While Impaired) aren’t just limited to cars. In North Carolina and many other states, you can get a DWI for riding a horse, operating a tractor, a bicycle, or even an electric scooter under the influence.

North Carolina has some other unusual laws that might surprise you. Bars can have daily specials, but specific happy hour discounts on alcohol are prohibited. It’s illegal to drink alcohol while playing bingo. Technically, singing off-key in public is against the law—though enforcement is questionable.

As you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, keep these quirky laws in mind and, most importantly, stay safe. Whether you’re out with friends, attending a parade, or just enjoying the festivities at home, have a great time celebrating responsibly!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!