Mike Thomas played the bagpipes and Bill Sloan read the official proclamation Wednesday to begin this year’s St. Patrick’s Day observance at the Landing. Both are members of Jacksonville Pipes and Drums and they also dyed the courtyard fountain green, the first act of the annual celebration of all things Irish. There will be gallons of Guinness Stout flowing, live music and a green bikini contest leading up to “St. ‘Paw’ty’s Day Yappy Hour” for dogs and their people Sunday.