There were plenty of leprechauns and lime-colored libations at the Crow's Nest for last night's limerick competition. A standing-room only crowd listened to entertainer Darrell Lawhorne play the guitar and sing, and in between read dozens of limericks. Audience response picked winners in five groups and there was a limerick runoff. First place won a $100 Crow's Nest gift certificate; runners up received $25 gift certificates.

Steve Harner promised me an exclusive, so tah-dah, you're reading about it here first:

First Place:

Snowbirds help Venice to thrive

So we need to keep them alive

We love em all dearly

And welcome them yearly

We just wish they’d learn how to drive

Jack Nelson, Venice

Second through Fifth Place:

Well, Venice continues to grow

Downtown crowds keep my car going slow

When you're ready to dine,

Find the end of the line

But at least, thank The Lord, there's no snow!

Roger Golden, Venice

To Viagra and Levitra and Cialis

Lets all raise our most revered chalice

For without a mid-mast

Our sailing days past

So toast the revitalized phallus

Lee Bartel, Venice

Government emails are to be kept

A law that most employees accept

Deleting emails with fervor

On Hillary’s server

Is that criminal or just inept?

Mike Williams, Hackensack, MN

There once was an Irish lad named Larry

Made a bet with his girlfriend sweet Mary

He would run at full tilt

In only his kilt

When the wind blew up it was scary

Sam Hunter,Venice

Other semi-finalists included Paul Powers, Mick O’Neill, Kathleen Cornelia, Beth Gehring, Marie Naples, Mike Pezley, Shirley McMillan, Alice Keilly, Carol Sullivan, John Burton, Carl Armbruster, Jean Ekowicki and Pam Avallone. Congratulations to all!