REPUBLISHING FROM EARLIER THIS MONTH AS A REFRESHER—Although city-data lists the Irish population of St. Louis as only about 8.6 percent, according to researchers at party supply store Shindigz, the Gateway City's celebration made the list of America's top seven Irish cities.

Every year, St. Louis kicks off a March 17 celebration with the Michelob 5 Mile Run, as stated in the Shindigz media release. The 2012 run is slated to involve 13,000-plus runners. After the race, a St. Patty’s Day parade features balloons, Irish dancers, horses and large floats.

Now in Eureka, St. Pat's Day revelers have a new pub to frequent:  O'Dell's Irish Pub and Ale House. Additionally, St. Pat's Day is the day that Eureka Wine House traditionally re-opens each year.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data cited in the Shindigz release, only 11.2 percent of the United States is of Irish decent. There’s something about this Irish holiday honoring Saint Patrick—the most recognized patron saint of Ireland—that makes people want to claim a piece of it, as referenced in the release.

Other Irish cities identified in the Shindigz list today:

1. Boston, MA 
2. Savannah, GA
3. Chicago, IL
4. New York, NY
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. St. Louis
7. Kansas City, MO