| Harsh British
rule and famine forced many Irish families to leave their homeland
in search of a better life in the United States. The wide expansion
of fertile prairie with tree-lined rivers and streams in Palo
Alto County proved to be an ideal haven for some of these displaced
people.
Emmetsburg, the county seat, was mostly populated by the Irish.
The chosen name, after a famous Irish patriot, reflected the
interest in their culture. Customs passed down from generation
to generation were practiced by the young community.
One of these customs was observing the feast day of Ireland's
patron saint. With the passage of time the ritual lost most
of its importance until 1961. A group of Irish lads, believing
"no one loves a parade more than the Irish", donned
green derbies, carried their coat of arms and marched proudly
through the main thoroughfare of Emmetsburg, on March 17th,
the feast day of Saint Patrick.
The small parade mushroomed into an elaborate three day celebration
involving many hours of work and time from individuals, civic
and service clubs, and businesses. The St. Patrick's Association
was formed to plan and coordinate events. The organizers strive
to have an entertaining program, to develop an interest in
ethnic heritage and history and to commemorate St. Patrick.
Many nationalities, along with the Irish, who now live in
Palo Alto County and Emmetsburg, all work together to sponsor
the festival. St. Patrick's Day in Emmetsburg, like Christmas, means coming
home for the holiday, where families and friends join together
for a glorious time! |
