Richmond begins celebrating St. Patrick’s Day almost a full week before the official Irish cultural and religious observance. You can begin filling yourself with the spirit of patron saint of Ireland at two different annual events Saturday, March 12. At Innsbrook Pavilion, St. Paddy’s Palooza offers a bevy of family-friendly festivities. Proceeds will benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the volunteer-driven charity that raises money to find cures for childhood cancers. Visit innsbrook.com for information. At the same time across town is Shamrock the Block. The outdoor celebration on the Boulevard between Leigh and Broad streets features performances by Baldy Mcgregor, Cabin Creek, La Unica and the Barons and Footwerk, with numerous food and beverage options. More at shamrocktheblock.com. Both fun-filled festivals run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission is free.