About This Festival

The St. Patrick's Celebration in Ireland, Dubois County, Indiana is a multi-day festival with a rich program of Irish-themed events, typically held in mid-March, with some related events extending from late February through March and an additional Irish Road Bowling event in September. The 2025 celebration runs from late February 23 through March 16, culminating in a parade on March 16—this festival is deeply rooted in community participation and Irish cultural heritage.

Event Vibe and Surrounding Area

The celebration occurs primarily in Downtown Ireland, Indiana, a small town in the southern part of Dubois County. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on Irish culture, community engagement, and fun activities for all ages. The town embraces traditional Irish customs combined with modern entertainment, making it a lively and inclusive event for locals and visitors alike. Accessibility is ensured with facilities being handicapped accessible.

History and Founding

While exact founding details are not specified in the search data, the event has a well-established tradition, as indicated by multiple annual activities such as the parade, pageants, and contests. The inclusion of long-standing events like the Irish Road Bowling and the annual parade suggests a solid community effort to preserve Irish cultural celebrations in the region. The involvement of local sponsors and clubs points to a longstanding grassroots organization.

Key Events and Activities

The St. Patrick's Celebration features a diverse schedule of activities spread over several weeks, with the core festivities in March:

  • Pageants (Miss Shamrock, Miss Teen, Little Miss & Mister Pageant) held at Ireland Elementary School.
  • 5K Walk/Run event promoting health and community participation.
  • Parade (March 16 at 1:00 p.m.): The highlight event with floats, decorated vehicles, walkers, horses, and live judging for Best Irish Theme and Most Enthusiastic. The parade route starts at St. Mary Church parking lot and follows through town streets.
  • Spud’s Sweep Raffle Drawing
  • Craft Fair showcasing local artisans.
  • Kids Events tailored for family fun.
  • Cars & Coffee and Jeep Run events, including a Jeep Run meet-up at the Ireland Sportsman Club.
  • Sham-Rock/Paper/Scissors fun game.
  • Pickleball Tournaments for men, women, and co-ed divisions, hosted at Ireland Elementary School Gym.
  • Honorary Mayor for a Day Kick-Off Party
  • Light Up Ireland event and St. Paddy Whack at local venues like The Rock Bar & Grill.
  • Irish Road Bowling event held in September, a traditional Irish sport, adding to the cultural richness.

Rough Festival Schedule and Locations (March 14–16, 2025 Focus)

  • March 14: Jeep Run, meet at Ireland Sportsman Club.
  • March 15: Various preliminary events including craft and kids activities.
  • March 16:
    • 1:00 p.m.: St. Patrick's Celebration Parade, starting from St. Mary Church parking lot, traveling through Ireland town streets.
    • Raffle drawing, crafts, and food stalls run throughout the day near the center of town.

Additional Notes

  • The festival starts earlier with related events such as the Button Contest, baby photo contest, and pageants as early as February 23.
  • Local sponsorships, such as Pfaff Construction and Spud's Food Mart, support major events, reflecting community investment.
  • Contact for details is provided via phone and website (stpatsirelandin.com), confirming a well-organized and established event.
  • The parade welcomes a broad range of participants, including antique vehicles, floats, and horses, with a small entry fee and judging prizes for themed presentation.

Overall, the St. Patrick's Celebration in Ireland, Indiana offers a rich mix of Irish cultural traditions, community events, family-friendly activities, and lively parade festivities over multiple weeks, creating a strong festive atmosphere celebrating Irish heritage in a warm and welcoming small-town environment.