Mid-Michigan’s Irish roots

St. Patrick’s Day in mid-Michigan takes on a special meaning when you consider the wealth of Irish history in the area.

During the 1800s, Ireland’s potato famine motivated many Irish to immigrate to America, several of them settling in Michigan in areas that resembled their homeland. Clare – which was named after a county in Ireland along with Wexford, Roscommon, Antrim and Emmet, is home to many of descendants of those Irish immigrants.

There are several local events in the next few weeks aimed at celebrating those Irish roots.

Clare Irish Festival

Clare hosts the annual Irish Festival once again this year, celebrating the festival’s 35th year March 10-13. The big day is Saturday, March 13. Sample green eggs and ham and corned beef hash. Check out the leprechaun contest and Irish rover dog contest, plus grab a spot to catch the parade at noon. Live music and dancing til the wee hours. Check the Web site for a complete schedule and information.

Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This year’s Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be at 2 p.m. March 21, starting at Center and Park avenues. This parade began in 1955 and has grown every year. Catch the marching bands, pipe bands and floats. Other events include a 4 p.m. mass on Saturday, March 20, honoring St. Patrick at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and an Irish dinner and ball on Saturday, March 20, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, available by calling 989-893-4299.

St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Flint

Flint celebrates St. Pat’s Day on March 17 starting with a Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Church at the Corner of Second and Saginaw streets at noon, followed by a St. Patrick’s Day Party from 2 to 11 p.m. the Masonic Temple on Saginaw Street, including Irish dancing, live music, food and fun. At 5:30 p.m. don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Road Race. For a complete list of events, visit the Web site.

Interested in learning more about your Irish roots?

Here are some local organizations dedicated to Irish culture:

• Michigan Irish History
• Irish-American Club of Mid-Michigan