Don't forget to wear green to today's St. Patrick's Day parade. It's at Armory Park, 220 S. Sixth Ave. There will be music, entertainment, kids games and rides. The festival starts at 10 a.m.; the parade, at 11 a.m. It's free.

You can't get much more Irish than Waterford crystal — glassmaking has existed in Ireland since the middle of the 13th century. Today, Waterford's handcrafted products are considered the finest in premium crystal sought after by glass collectors throughout the world. Products include stemware, bowls, centerpieces, vases, collectibles, frames, clocks, candleholders and lighting. For a truly Irish keepsake, Waterford offers a shamrock handcooler ($60) — great for use as a paperweight or simply as an accent in your home. Though the crystal shamrock isn't, other Waterford products are available in Tucson at Dillard's and Macy's. You can also buy pieces (including that shamrock) directly from Waterford at www.waterford.com.

The Celts left behind an enduring legacy of knots and spirals, some of them drawn so finely that people called them "the work of angels." One of the most famous Celtic patterns is the "claddagh" ring, an enduring symbol of affection. The heart in the center of the design represents love, the hands that surround it represent friendship, and the crown at the top (if present) is symbolic of fidelity. Other popular jewelry designs include the Celtic cross and pentacle, composed of a five-point star enclosed within a circle. Celtic jewelry, including the claddagh ring, is available at The Renaissance Store, 4620 E. Speedway, 546-8223. You can also order the jewelry online at www.theirishgifthouse.com. Traveling vendors will be selling jewelry today at the Tucson St. Patrick's Day Festival beginning at 10 a.m. in Armory Park.

From traditional folk and party songs like "Erin Go Bragh" and "Whiskey in the Jar" to the beloved Celtic melodies of Enya, Irish music is easily distinguishable by its pulse and melodic flow. Widely used instruments include the flute, whistle, piano, fiddle and, of course, the harp — considered one of the chief symbols of Ireland. The Celtic harp, as seen on Irish coinage and used by Guinness, has long been thought to have near magical powers. Find a good selection of Irish music at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5130 E. Broadway, 512-1166 and 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd., 742-6402; or Borders Books, 4235 N. Oracle Road, 292-1331, or 5870 E. Broadway, 584-0111. Prices range from $10 to $15.

Don't be caught without your green: wear a green carnation — the most popular flower on St. Patrick's Day. Flower shops stock up for the Irish holiday. Some shops also carry shamrock plants for the occasion. Flower prices range from $2 to $3 per stem and $35 to $55 for bouquets. Try Casas Adobes Flower Shop at 7090 N. Oracle Road, 297-1165; Inglis Florists with three locations in Tucson, 2362 E. Broadway, 622-4641, 6468 N. Oracle Road, 297-1158, and 3840 W. Ina Road, 744-0200; or Roses & More at 5501 E. Speedway, 751-4000, 2510 E. Broadway, 623-7400, and 380 W. Grant Road, 888-0828.

Want to show your Irish side?

Send Irish e-cards for free, or download an Irish ringtone at www.irishcorner.com/. There's also a wide variety of Irish pictures, poems and prayers available on the site.

Get a free screensaver of St. Patrick, an Irish scene or shamrocks at www.ireland-information.com/ freescreensavers.htm#ioi.

How's this for a St. Patty's Day surprise: A free e-card, with music and lots of choices: www.123greetings.com/ events/saint_patricks_day/ and www.stpatricksdaycards.net/.