Leprechans and 4 leaf clover are in the air this week as we close in on St Patrick's Day.  Many Irish organizations have celebrations all week but the biggest is the parade in Bergenfield on Sunday.  Although it's too early for classic car shows and outdoor festivals, we still have a lot going on this weekend as you'll see.  Here's what's happening:

43rd Annual St Patrick's Day Parade
Come to Bergenfield this Sunday for the spectacular Bergen County Annual St Patrick's Day Parade.  This is a huge parade that marches down Washington Ave while thousands watch.  You'll see bagpipes, Irish dancers, classic cars, Police Honor Guards, Fire Engines, EMT's, bands and more.  The parade kicks off at 2 pm at East Englewood & S Washington Avenues ending at St John's Church just above Main Street.  Be sure to get there early to park nearby and get a good spot.

Things My Mother Taught Me
Opening night for the Bergen County Players production of Things My Mother Taught Me is this Saturday night at 8.  A romantic comedy about family relationships and love. It's so funny that you will be laughing throughout all 90 minutes of this play.  Performances are on the weekend through April 5th.  Times are 8 pm on Friday and Saturday plus a 2 pm matinee on Sunday.  Tickets can be bought online and are $28 each for all performances.   

2 HACPAC Events This Week
The Hackensack Performing Arts Center known as HACPAC has 2 very different performances this week.  One is a tribute to a local man who gave so much of himself musically to the community. 

Sunday afternoon at 3 pm is Kudos: A Celebration of Life in Honor of Edward Decker.  Performances are by highly notable musicians - Tony Desare, John Pizzarelli and Valerie Simpson.  Tickets are $75 for this fundraiser with proceeds supporting the causes and organizations Edward Decker founded and created.

Thursday and Friday nights at 7 pm is the musical play Descendants.  This is based on the hit Disney movie and has everything you'd expect from a Disney related vehicle - great music and singing, fabulous dancing, wonderful costumes etc.  This has a great story and will be a spirited, fun evening.  Tickets are $20-25.  

2 Happenings at the Closter Nature Center
The Closter Nature Center is one of Bergen County's most active.  This coming Sunday afternoon is another of their extremely popular monthly Music by the Pond Jam Sessions.  Musicians both professioinal and amateur get together and just play.  You don't even have to be a musician - many people go to listen and enjoy the experience.  

Friday night is the Closter Nature Center Full Moon Hike which starts at 8.  This guided tour isn't free like the jam session but it's only $5 per person for members and $10 for non-members.  If the weather is OK, they'll have a fire so you can warm up after your hike too.  These hikes are fun and you might even make some new friends.

Rock of Ages at the Old Library Theater    
The Old Library Theater is one of Bergen County's best live local theater groups.  Their current production is Rock of Ages, a musical, which opens this weekend and goes on to the following weekend.  Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2.  Tickets are $25 online.  

Pea Day at Garretson Forge and Farm     
Garretson Forge and Farm has an extensive garden every year.  They begin their planting around St Patrick's Day as a celebration of the Irish Pea Day.  It's an Irish tradition that you plant peas on St Patty's Day and when you harvest the peas later in the year, it brings you maybe not that Pot of Gold but luck.  Sunday afternoon is Garretson Farm's Pea Day from 1-4 . Just go to the Farm and have fun helping them plant.  As a thank you, there will be free seeds and Master Gardeners will be there to give you any advice you need for yourself.  

Artisan Market at Bergen Town Center     
The Artisan Market is back at Bergen Town Center again this weekend.  Over 25 artisans will be on hand for you to check out with their unique, hand made goods.  This is always a fun experience because it's a very eclectic group.  You'll find jewelry, home decor, pottery etc.  There's also home-made baked goods too from breads to desserts.  Why not take home something very delicious?  I personally love home baked fruit pies.  This is located at Center Court near Kohls.

Who Goes WHOOOO?     
This coming Saturday the Tenafly Nature Center has a 1 hour program that, I think, is ideal for children although it's also great for adults too.  Who Goes WHOOOO? is all about owls and other night raptors.  It starts at 1 and will be a lot of fun because you'll meet the TNC's 5 resident raptors.  Imagine what fun this will be for the younger set to be up front and close to owls, etc.  Registration is always open for these types of events and it's only $10 for non members.

So we have a lot going on this weekend as we always do in Bergen County.  The weather's been great this week and while it's going to rain on Sunday, at least nearly all indoors.  If you own a home and you haven't already, it's time to get landscape planning and scheduling settled.  You'll need to start caring for your lawn any day now.

And, for my real estate update - it's slightly better so far than last year in that inventory levels look like they're up 10% pretty much in all towns.  While that's still awful frankly, at least it's improving, and mortgage rates are under 7% for nearly everyone.  So that's good. 

I was at an open house this past weekend.  We had just over 40 on Saturday and about 55 on Sunday at the house plus broker showings.  This was a $1,200,000 home.  The vast majority had just begun their home search which is normal for early March.  There are 7 offers on the house as of this afternoon.  We're getting the same reaction on houses in other price ranges too.  There's simply normal demand with abnormally low inventory.

That's about it for now - have a good week ahead!