The Biggest Star at the Dubliner

6:45 p.m.: The Dubliner has the biggest party in Washington, and the large crowd means it's one of those parties that you either love or hate. But everyone's in a good mood, the beer is flowing, novelty hats are out in full force and there's a sea of green as far as you can see. (Also, while it might not be the most aesthetically friendly option, putting portable toilets outside means that those on the patio don't have to wade through the mass of people inside when nature calls.)

Spotted in the ballroom: Councilman Marion Barry having dinner and clapping along to John McGrath's rousing version of "I'll Tell Me Ma." On the way out, Barry was swamped with requests for photos from guests and hotel staff.

Something I've learned on St. Patrick's Days past: When you walk through a party with a camera, everyone who sees it wants their picture taken. Doesn't matter if they don't know who you are, or where the picture's going to appear -- they just want to pose with their friends. Here's a selection of the various people who grabbed me and said "Hey, photographer guy! Take a picture of us."

-- Fritz