Greg “Ryno” Rynearson, clad in Irish apparel, assists in emceeing the 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival parade, paying homage to event organizers. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
Celebrating Irish heritage and traditions, the annual Clare Irish Festival welcomes thousands of spectators for a one-of-a-kind celebration every March. This year, the 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival took place March 13 through 17. From dining and shopping discounts at area establishments, to several contests and races, a craft show, and a parade—the charm of downtown Clare was shown in full-spirit.
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A group of festival goers pause for a photo opportunity with a leprechaun statue in downtown Clare at the Irish Festival on March 16, 2024. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Food trucks lined the east side of McEwan Street (between 4th Street and 5th Street) in downtown Clare on the 15th and 16th of the festival. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
To showcase excitement for the festival, a recipe contest, leprechaun costume contest, Irish pet photo contest, and an “Are You Irish?” contest all took place. Plus, many downtown businesses participated in a window decorating contest.
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The Doherty Hotel participates in the 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival’s window decorating contest. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Students’ artwork lines windows in participation of the window decorating contest for the Clare Irish Festival. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
Downtown Clare exhibited activities for all ages throughout the event hosted by the Clare Chamber of Commerce, claiming, “We are all a wee bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day.”
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"Skittles” offered childrens’ face painting in downtown Clare outside of 505 Cafe on March 16, 2024 during the 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Firepits fueled heat to festival attendees during the brisk spring weather of the Clare Irish Festival. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
The 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival parade’s Grand Marshal was Lori Nevill. Community participants entertained a large audience with their business and organization floats during the parade.
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
After the parade on Saturday, the annual Bed Race competition took place downtown.
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The annual Bed Race started at Ruckle’s Pier at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
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Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
Plus, authentic live music was played at numerous venues throughout the festival.
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A band plays for festival goers on Saturday, March 16 at the 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival. Photo Credit: Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
For more information on the annual Clare Irish Festival, visit claremichigan.com.
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With 15 years of professional media experience, Courtney Jerome has found a passion for storytelling and showcasing our region in a positive light. She's written stories for television broadcasts, numerous magazines, and digital publications. In addition, she owns a boutique creative marketing agency that focuses on social media, photo, and video storytelling for small businesses across Michigan and the country — courtneyjeromemedia.com. Contact Courtney, the managing editor of Epicenter, at editor@epicentermtpleasant.com.