Anybody know where I can find this in US?

[Chef]

Why was it started?
St. Patrick's Festival was set up in November 1995 with the following brief from Government: ...

Project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal, as we approach the new Millennium. ...

I've even seen (Dublin based) sites featuring for sale huge green "Leprechaun Hats" & "Vile Leprechaun" masks!

Leprechaun hats being require to be a professional and sophisticated country? No offence to anyone meant, but my guess is the St. Patrick's Festival was started to "cash" in. No matter what the politicians say.