Patrick's Day is one of those holidays that are massively popular with some and totally missable by others. In the town of Greeley, Nebraska, you'll find that the streets aren't packed with revelers on March 17th. But if you wait half a year until the very last days of summer, the town explodes into shades of green with the sounds of Celtic drums and bagpipes filling the air.
That's because Greeley celebrates its Irish roots "Halfway to St. Pat's Day" - that is, on September 17th of every year or the weekend closest to the 17th. The festival is a pretty big deal in this tiny town of around people. Nearly everyone is involved in the planning and performing in one way or another. Around 40 percent of Greeley's population claims Irish heritage, so it's not just a town pride thing - it's a celebration of the residents' ancestry.
On the day of the festival, the town's population swells with visitors, including plenty of those who have moved away over the years. They come home to celebrate the town's signature event and see old friends in this beautiful part of central Nebraska. It's a yearly family reunion, too; Irish-American families from Greeley and surrounding communities get together to reminisce and reconnect over traditional food and entertainment. The festival kicks off with the Family Clan Parade, in which ancestral clan crests are displayed.
Pipers lead the way to the festival site where the fun really begins. The outdoor main stage hosts a large selection of acts, from the talented Irish Step Dancers to traditional and contemporary Celtic music.
Other activities in various spots throughout town include the Kids Irish Arts and Crafts Area, free face painting, the Irish Bean Bag Toss Tournament, bagpipe demonstrations, and educational presentations on the history of the town and its Irish founders. It wouldn't be an all-day festival without great food, right? You'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of food and beverage offerings from local groups and restaurants.
