It's St. Patrick's Day Weekend

And there are celebrations taking place all over the world this weekend. In the United States alone, there are going to be parades, festivals, and other events taking place. Millions of people will be enjoying some holiday-themed food, beverages, contests, games, and a variety of other activities.

Americans are expected to break spending records this weekend; spending around $5.9 billion this holiday.

That estimation comes from the National Retail Federation, they've been surveying spending for this holiday over the past 14 years and they think that this weekend will be record-breaking as far as spending.

On average, it's expected that those in the United States are going to spend about $40 per person on the holiday.

And it's also suggested that this holiday is the most popular for those between the ages of 18-24.

More than 70 percent of that age group is said expected to be heading out this weekend to celebrate.

However, they aren't going to be the biggest spenders however, that title goes to those celebrating who are between the ages of 35-44.

What will folks be buying this weekend to celebrate? Aside from copious amounts of liquor, many will also be spending money on decorations, apparel, candy, and other items.

There will be St. Patrick's Day parades and festivals going on in various countries around the world: Australia, France, USA, Russia, Ireland, and other areas.

With many more expected to be drinking over the weekend to celebrate, authorities are already planning to put more officers on the road.

They'll be looking to set up road blocks in various cities to try and catch drunk drivers.

Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft have also offered free rides in some areas and discounted rates as well.

In one county in New Mexico, they've re-allocated funds that were acquired over a liquor tax, and given about $55k to Uber to help supplement and pay for people's rides this weekend.

Uber is also taking the opportunity, as are other vendors, to offer some holiday-themed eats on their menu this weekend. Interested in a Guinness burrito or crepe? Or perhaps a burger that's got some Guinness infused meat?

According to the National Retail Federation, roughly 60 percent of Americans will be celebrating the St. Patrick's Day over this coming weekend.

Pics:
Pixabay

Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/barbarathau/2018/03/01/u-s-consumers-expected-to-spend-a-record-5-9-billion-on-st-patricks-day/
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/03/15/uber-offering-free-st-patricks-day-rides-indianapolis/427387002/
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/st-patrick-s-day-around-the-world-in-10-parades-1.3426917
http://www.krqe.com/news/news-briefs/uber-to-offer-free-rides-over-st-patricks-day-weekend/1052474154
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/5825209/fancy-a-guinness-flavoured-burrito-weird-st-patrick-day-food-being-offered-by-takeaways-in-the-uk/
https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/guinness-burritos-are-here-for-st-patricks-day-a3790826.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/st-patricks-day-celebrations-2018-3
https://www.wkbw.com/lifestyle/st-patricks-day-2018-by-the-numbers