COSTA MESA, CALIF.-Colorful costumes, fancy footwork, and happy Irish music greeted guests to Orange County Fairgrounds' annual St. Patrick's Day Festival held at Orange County Market Place, a weekly outdoor shopping center of food, entertainment, beverages, farmer's markets, vendors and even a farm!

In 2011 the event was held the weekend before St. Patrick's Day, attracting well over 20,000 attendees who clapped, cheered and bought Irish beer or green lemonade to celebrate in a family friendly environment.

Dancers from top caliber Irish dance academies and schools performed in their finest attire, complete with curls on top of their heads for the girls during many of the dances.

While many Irish parades and festivals will be celebrated during St. Patrick's week, this event was a pleasant surprise well worth marking your calendar for in 2012.

Other events upcoming at the Orange County Market Place include 3rd Annual Spring Pet Days March 19 & 20, 2011, and 5th Annual Easter Festival and Treasure Hunt Saturday, April 23, 2011. ocmarketplace.com