The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration benefiting St. Michael’s Social Ministries for the Poor took place at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston on Monday with hundreds of attendees. Organized by St. Michael the Archangel Church in Providence, the event featured the Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipe and Drums, members of the Kelly school of Irish Dance, lively Irish bands, dancing, children’s activities like arts, crafts and facepainting, raffles, and traditional food. Kathy Harrington, event chair, said proceeds help provide much needed assistance for those in need, while sharing in a fun and festive atmosphere that highlights the church’s mission of compassion and support for struggling families. Beacon Media photos by Tim Forsberg