Searching for O'Sherman

COEUR d’ALENE — If you’re searching for a golden treasure, and perhaps even some green, head for downtown Coeur d’Alene.

O'Sherman’s Gold Quest begins today and continues through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

“It’s similar to Elf on the Shelf program, but a little more tricky because they’re leprechauns,” said Emily Boyd, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.

Here’s how you can get lucky.

O’Sherman the Leprechaun will be hiding every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during business hours.

Pick up a Gold Quest map with a list of participating businesses and word clues to fill in at Migliore Olive Oil or All Things Irish, or go to the association’s website and print one out.

When you arrive at the shop, find the sneaky leprechaun and write down the word he’s holding. A letter from each word will make a secret phrase that will lead you to the end of the rainbow, where prizes await.

As a bonus, when you make a purchase at any of the businesses you will get an extra entry to win prizes, including gift cards from each participating location.

The green theme continues with the 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 3 p.m. March 16 in partnership with Idaho Central Credit Union. The parade theme is Green and Gold. It generally includes dancers, leprechauns, Irish wolf hounds and music.

It's scheduled to start at 3 p.m. at Eighth and Sherman Avenue and travel west to First Street.

A few hundred people, many wearing green coats, shirts and hats, come out to cheer for about 30 parade entries.

Parade applications are available at the association’s website.

“We would love to have more entries in the parade,” Boyd said.

All Things Irish on Sherman Avenue is helping spread the spirit of the season with a free soda bread and scones contest from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Judging starts at 3, with the winners announced at 4. Entries need to be delivered to the shop by 1:30.