The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Over this past weekend my own sainted Irish mother Patty McCunniff Regan had a birthday. She turned–I don't think she'd mind me telling you–86 years old. Now to some of you, that might bring to mind visions of nursing homes and rocking chairs. You might think of 86 years and think of grey-haired dottering old shawlies in their twilight. To you I'd say: you don't know my mother. She wears all of us out.

So when yer auld wan's birthday rolled around, my six sisters, my brother and I quickly decided against getting her a quilt or a hot water bottle or a jig-saw puzzle. No, we bought her a full weekend Kansas City Irish Fest Snug membership. And the children of her old college buddy and Irish Fest partner-in-crime Lois did the same thing so the two of them could ramble on Labor Day weekend together, because God knows none of us can keep up with her.

Mom and Lois will spend Irish Fest weekend in the very lap of luxury in The Snug, with a private bar, comfy sofas, catered food and a zero bathroom lines, among many other amenities. They've earned it. Now you may not have a passel of children to foot the bill for your Snug membership, but you can still drink beer with mom all weekend, and the cost is reasonable too. Just $50 for Friday, $100 for Saturday or Sunday, $250 for the Patty Regan Weekend Package. Drinks, food, t-shirts, stage view and more. Partying with Mom, priceless and no extra charge.

Put this on your bucket list: spend Irish Fest weekend with my Mom and Lois in the Snug. You'll never have a better time, I guarantee it. Those women are crazy.  Here's how to do it.

Happy birthday, Mom.