Whenever people at college ask me where I am from I reply, “Northwest Iowa about three hours away.” I usually I go on to explain and receive blank looks until I mention “Okoboji” then suddenly everyone seems to know where I am talking about. However, one thing that I am sure of is that the lack of recognition is certainly not because there’s nothing special about my hometown.
Let’s start with a quick history lesson. Emmetsburg was settled by Irish immigrants, and they named the town after Robert Emmet. The customs and heritage of Ireland is greatly preserved by the citizens of the town and surrounding area. There is much more history to the story if you are interested and would like to check it out.
I could rattle on about how great of a town Emmetsburg is, how many opportunities I was afforded growing up, how much I learned in school and the great friends that I made, but I want to stick to the “Irish” idea for now.
Recently, Emmetsburg was featured in an article as one of the best places to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in the United States; competing with famous celebrations in cities much larger such as New York, Chicago, and New Orleans. So how does our tiny town keep up with cities 1,000 times larger? Could it be luck? No, it’s definitely pride.
Growing up in Emmetsburg, I would like to believe, I know WAY more than the average person about Ireland, Irish history, the history of Saint Patrick’s Day, and fun facts like what the colors of the Irish flag actually mean.
This is because “Irish” was something that was deeply inserted into our town’s daily life; it is something that everyone in my little town is proud of. “Irish” infiltrated most aspects of my life growing up like religious education class lessons about Saint Patrick, Irish musical selections in chorus and band, participating in the annual Miss and Junior Miss Shamrock pageant, being a member of an Irish dance group, and the names of the shops, restaurants and bars.
There is something for everyone the week of the Saint Patrick's Day celebration. The big parade on Saturday has candy for the kids, bagpipes, local high school bands decked out in green, the newly crowned Shamrock royalty, many local and regional business and organization floats, leprechauns, Irish families, Irish dignitaries and so much more! Everyone is involved. During the parade and following there are food vendors and activities for the kids in courtyard square near the blarney stone. (Kiss it for good luck!) Adults enjoy the several bars; located conveniently on the same strip as the parade. Check out the entire lineup of events including the pageant, a baked potato bar, talent show, fish fry, chili cook-off contest, run, pancake breakfast, and more!
We may not all be Irish here, but we are proud of the heritage and sure know how to celebrate it. Stop by, I am sure you will not regret it, but until then:
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” - An Irish Blessing
