This One Small Town In Nebraska Becomes A Little Piece Of Ireland Once A Year
Lots of cultures are represented here in Nebraska, and each seems to have their very own festival. None are quite so colorful and festive as the one that happens in O’Neill every March. This little town transforms into a tiny slice of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll want to see this party for yourself.
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Most of the year, this Holt County town of about 3,700 residents is pretty quiet. It's a safe place with good schools and friendly residents.
Every March, the entire town (and then some) turns out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The town was founded by Irish settlers in 1874 and has never forgotten its Irish heritage.
In fact, O'Neill is known as "Nebraska's Irish Capital." That's immediately evident as you drive through the town. There you'll see the world's largest permanent shamrock, a huge three-leaf clover shape in concrete in the middle of the intersection at 4th & Douglas Streets.
Before the St. Patrick's Day celebration every year, volunteers come out to paint the shamrock a vibrant green with a white border. Spectators have made a tradition of coming out to watch the painting.
The shamrock becomes the centerpiece of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. Performances and presentations take place on it and the grand parade passes right over it.
The giant shamrock is such a big attraction, in fact, that proposals and weddings have taken place on it. What a wonderfully unique way to declare your love!
Locals get dressed up in their greenest duds for the St. Patrick's Day Festival, and performers come from all over the state to take part in this delightfully festive occasion.
There's no other celebration quite like this in Nebraska. Just as the fans at a Huskers game are known as the "sea of red," O'Neill becomes a sea of green in mid-March.
In 2019, the celebration begins on Sunday, March 10 with the Mr. Irish Pageant. Then on Wednesday, March 13, the shamrock gets this year's coat of paint. Everyone is invited out on Friday to watch the "greening of the pond" at Gil Poese Recreational Area in Carney Park.
Tons of other activities will take place Thursday-Saturday, with Saturday being the main attraction. That’s the day you’ll see the grand parade, musical performances, Irish dancers, crowning of the St. Patrick’s Day king and queen, and so much more. Get the official schedule of events for 2019 right here. Check out this year’s official Facebook page for the festival here.
Have you ever attended the St. Patrick’s Day festival in O’Neill? Will you be going this year? Tell us what you think in the comments!
While you’re in north-central Nebraska, swing by the Cowboy Trail for one of the most unusual and memorable hikes in the state. Read all about it here.
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
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