The Snake Invasion at Missouri University of Science and Technology has started – which means St. Pat will soon be arriving in Rolla.

Missouri S&T began celebrating St. Pat near the beginning of the 20th century, when a group of Rolla students declared that he was the patron saint of engineers.

The schedule for the 103rd St. Pat’s celebration at Missouri S&T is as follows:

— Monday, Feb. 28, through Wednesday, March 2: Snake Invasion (students club “snakes” with large decorative sticks called shillelaghs).

— Monday, March 7: St. Pat’s Follies, noon at the Puck, a campus landmark located in front of Toomey Hall.

— Tuesday, March 8: St. Pat’s Follies, noon at the Puck.

— Wednesday, March 9: At approximately 11:45 a.m., St. Pat, portrayed by a Missouri S&T student, and his court, will officially arrive in downtown Rolla aboard the traditional manure spreader. They will proceed from the south end of Pine Street to the band shell for St. Pat’s Follies at noon.

— Thursday, March 10: Gonzo Games, 10 a.m. at Fraternity Row Rugby Field on Fraternity Drive.

— Friday, March 11: Gonzo Games, 10 a.m. at Fraternity Row Rugby Field; Honorary Knights Banquet, 6 p.m. at the Havener Center; Coronation and Knighting Ceremony, 9 p.m. at Leach Theatre in Castleman Hall on the S&T campus.

— Saturday, March 12: Pine Street painting, 7 a.m.; St. Pat’s Parade, 11 a.m.; Free St. Pat’s Concert featuring Reel Big Fish and other bands, approximately 12:30 p.m. at the band shell.