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Pennsylvania Among Top States To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--From street music and step dancing to good, old fashioned celebrating. When it comes to Saint Patrick's Day in Philadelphia, we fly our Irish flag proudly.

"It's fun! The city gets together, everybody rallies," said Sam Fuerman, of South Philly.

Kelly Ward, of Morristown, New Jersey added, "Gotta celebrate my people."

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According to a new report by Offers.com, Pennsylvania is one of the best places to do it.

The study, which looked at Google search data, Irish population and participation surveys, found Pennsylvania was second only to Rhode Island, followed by New York, Connecticut and Nebraska.

"We have deep rooted history here," said Ward.

History that pre-dates America's founding.

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Local historian Mikeala Maria, who specializes in the Irish experience in Philly, says it was 1771 when a group of Irish citizens presented Benjamin Franklin with an invitation to celebrate at City Tavern.

"The friendly sons of St. Patrick started a dinner that was basically the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration in the United States," said Maria.

These days, most of us honor the patron saint of Ireland by wearing green, 54%, according to the survey.

Most will shell out less than 25 shamrocks to celebrate, and believe it or not, more of that pot o' gold will be spent on grub, than green beer.

 

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