AUBURN — A pre-St. Patrick’s Day salute to small business will kick off Saturday with massages, snacks and exercise.

Auburn’s second annual Salute to Dinny Sullivan will begin at 8:30 a.m. with coffee at the Auburn Engine House on Spring Street and will spread across the city.

Sullivan was a New Auburn shop owner. Born in Schull, County Cork, Ireland, Sullivan moved to the U.S. in 1899 and settled in Auburn.

He worked for a time in Auburn’s shoe factories, the Maine Central Railroad and the Lewiston Bleachery before opening his grocery store at 12 South Main St. in New Auburn in about 1911. Today, it’s a grassy area behind Rolly’s Diner.

He died in 1957, leaving the store to his son, John J. Sullivan.

Local businesses and restaurants around Auburn will be offering specials deals and presentations.

Selected events include:

* Childrens’ story time at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Public Library featuring “Tales From Old Ireland” presented by John Henderson of Hometown History Works and Memories Made Manifest.

* The grand opening and open house of the Auburn Police Activities League Center at 24 Chestnut St. The center will provide after-school and summertime activities and programs for at-risk youths, as well as positive interaction with police officers. There will be tours and refreshments on Saturday.

* Revelation Massage, 600 Turner St., will celebrate by raising money for the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Revelation will match each $1 donation.

* John Henderson, author of “Androscoggin Irish,” will portray Jacob Roak, Auburn’s first bank president, on a tour of the downtown. The walk will begin at Great Falls Plaza, across from the Hilton Garden Inn, and end at Sullivan Square in New Auburn. Donations will be accepted for the Androscoggin Historical Society.

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