The Summer Festival In Nebraska That's Worthy Of Your Bucket List Every Year
By Delana Lefevers|Published July 04, 2022
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Delana Lefevers
Author
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.
St. 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 500 people. Nearly everyone is involved in the planning and performing in one way or another.
They come home to celebrate the town's signature event and see old friends in this beautiful part of central Nebraska.
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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.
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.
Try some Irish stew, traditional corn beef and cabbage, or "vegan style" Irish sausage and coddle. Or keep it simple and go for a burger, fries, and ice cream.
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If you're worried about the festival falling on a Huskers game day, Greeley's got you covered.
The Big Red Tent features a shaded spot to sit and watch the game on big screens. Don't linger too long, though - there's so much else to do! (And don't be surprised if you find a few leprechauns out and about.)
The festival carries on into the night with performers on multiple stages. You can stay out all night making merry memories at this one-of-a-kind event.
Everyone’s a little Irish at the “Halfway to St. Pat’s Day” Greeley Irish Festival in Nebraska! Come out for an entire day of music, food, dancing, and a whole lot of bagpipes. Find out more about the event, including this year’s schedule of events, on the Greeley Irish Festival’s website. The festival also maintains a Facebook page with fun info and great pictures of past festivals.
