Meet and Greet the Douglas County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit

When: Thursday, March 10, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Douglas County Sheriff's Department, Blake Gammill Building Parking Lot

Why go: Teach the kids about giving to charity. Dip into the piggy banks and bring pennies for the "Pennies for Puppies" Chase Away K9 Cancer drive.  The K9 demonstration will be educational and entertaining.

Price: Free

4th Annual Black Diamond Race at New Manchester Elementary

When: Saturday, March 12, at9:30 a.m.

Where: New Manchester Elementary School

Why go:  The only school benefit in Douglasville where the teachers race! (There’s also races for adults and all grades through middle school.)

Price: $6 to run, $12 with a t-shirt. For more information,  contact Jessica Cantrell at 770-65-.4478 for more info.

St. Patty's Day Lucky Shamrock 5K, 1-mile Run and Little Leprechaun Tot Trot

When: Saturday, March 12, at2 p.m.

Where: Clinton Nature Preserve, Ephesus Church Road (one mile west of Post Road)

Why go: It’s a fun run for the entire family and proceeds benefit the Brighten School. Contact Sarah Fredenburg for info  at Sarah.Fredenburg@douglas.k12.ga.us, 770-826-2378.

Price: $25 for 5K; $15 for Tot Trot and 1 mile.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

When: Saturday, March 12 and Thursday, March 17, Sgian Dubh alternative Celtic band will perform from from  4 to 6 p.m. Robert Boyd and Mike Jones will play the Bagpipes from 6 to 8 p.m. and Turnstile will perfrom from 7 to 10:30 p.m.  Additional performances will be held inside the adjacent Irish Bred Pub.

Where: O’Neal Plaza

Why go: Who doesn’t love a rip roarin’ St. Patty’s Day celebration?!

Price: Free

Smoky Mountain Gospel Bluegrass Jamboree

When: Saturday, March 12; at 5 p.m. free cornbread, beans and fixin's, 6 p.m. music

Where: New Covenant United Methodist Church (Georgia Highway 5 one mile south of the Dog River)

Why go: A true country tradition, complete with toe-tapping, regional music.

Price: Free

More info: www.newcovumc.com, 770-489-7608