St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t officially arrive until Thursday, March 17, but on Saturday the Island gets a jump on going green the Irish way.

The fifth annual parade, stretching from Dock street in Edgartown to the Newes Pub on Kelley street, begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The walk is short but the memories are long.

After the parade shake your Shamrock at the Kelley House with a Family Dance-O-Rama from noon to 2 p.m.

Also on Saturday at 6 p.m., the First Baptist Parish House located at 66 William street in Vineyard Haven is hosting a hearty meal of corned beef and cabbage, plus corn bread, potatoes, carrots, dessert and beverages. Tickets are $12, and all fiddlers and fife players are encouraged to join in.