When Irish eyes are smiling, so will be the throngs of folks celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on the square in downtown Troy.

The City of Troy will host its own version of a gala St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 16, with the Spring Fling on the Square.

Troy Director of Tourism Shelia Jackson said Spring Fling will be a family event designed to celebrate both the coming of spring and St. Patrick’s Day.

Jackson said the entire square will be decked out in Irish green and complimentary green hats and beads will add even more Irish flavor the festivities.

“We’ve got a fun day planned from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.,” Jackson said. “We have something for all ages and for many different interests. For the children, we’ll have two of their favorite cartoon characters, Dora the Explorer and Spiderman.”

DJ Hen Dock will be spinning the vinyl and the American Legion Line Dancers will be the featured dancers but everyone will be invited to line up.

“This will be a great opportunity to learn the most popular line dances and, if you already know them, you can learn some new ones,” Jackson said.

Susie Norman and other singers will step to the microphone to add live music to the Fling. And, at intervals during the singing and dancing, door prizes will be given.

“We have about 100 door prizes to give and they are great prizes, every one of them,” Jackson said.