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Clare's Irish Festival

The friendly people in Clare, Michigan know that there's a wee bit of Irish in everyone! This is why they celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a big way! The town turns green for the annual Festival in March, which is one of the city’s most known and well-loved events. 

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46th Annual Irish Festival - March 11-15, 2020

CLARE’S IRISH FEST 2020 UPDATE  - PROVIDED BY THE CLARE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

"Although certain events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still numerous events that local businesses are hosting throughout Clare. Events that feature entertainment, food & drink specials, shopping deals, and much more.

The following events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic: Irish Fest Parade, Irish Fest Bed Races, WCFX Entertainment Tent, Irish Fest Recipe Contest, Irish Fest Craft Show, 5K/10K Road Race, and Witbeck’s Leprechaun Contest.  The festival is still going on as there are tons of great activities planned throughout the city by local businesses!"

The Clare Area Chamber of Commerce has been receiving an overwhelming amount of phone calls, emails, and facebook messages concerning whether the 46th Annual Clare Irish Festival has been cancelled. In short, the answer is no. Certain events have been cancelled, but to reiterate, numerous local businesses throughout Clare are still hosting a variety of events.
​
Please visit the following link for a list of events: 
https://www.claremichigan.com/irish-festival​
"

Thousands of people come to Clare each year to have a wee bit of fun and enjoy a host of Irish traditions!

​These include parades, bed races, 5K, 10K & kids’ fun run, craft show, musical performances, recipe contest, pet photo contest, and, of course, a Leprechaun contest!

​Check out the complete list of events and activities.

​How Did Clare's Irish Festival Begin? ​

More than 46 years ago, community members wanted to celebrate Clare's Irish heritage. They wanted to have a fun time and have an event that would endure for generations to come. The Irish Festival was a complete success from the beginning!

​In the years following this first festival the event became an extremely popular form of celebrating all things Celtic. The Clare Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this super fun event.

​What Can You Do at at Irish Festival?

In the years following this first fun celebration the event has grown to include:

A Large Parade

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Bed Races

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 5K, 10K, 2 mile Walk/Run Road Race

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Recipe Contest

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Pet Photo Contest

Craft Show

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Food, Fun, and Frivolity!

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How To Participate
Plan to register for the many events held March 11-14, 2020. For more information and to register contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442.

Where to stay:
Choose one of our fine accommodations:
Doherty Hotel - Clare
Lakeside Waterfront Lodging - Harrison

Leota Lode Motel - Harrison
Lone Pine Motel - Clare
Quality Inn - Clare​


 Where to Eat:
Irish-themed food and drink specials are available from most Clare restaurants and pubs.  While visiting Clare County, sample some of our fine restaurants and local diners. From elegant dinners, cafes with home cooking and fast food, to singing karaoke in one of the area lounges - you ​have a choice! Click here for some choices.​ 
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Some of the Fun Events:

March 11  - At the Doherty Hotel
5-7 pm -Business After Hours
6:30 pm - Big Brothers Big Sisters Silent Auction

March 12 - At the Clare High School
5:30 pm - Irish Recipe Contest
7:30 pm - Gateway Community Band/Irish Session

March 13 - At the Doherty Hotel
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Variety of Musical Entertainment

March 14 - Multiple Locations
8:45 am - Leprechaun Contest at Witbeck's Family Foods
9:00 am - 5K, 10K, 2 Mile Walk/Run Road Race - Clare High School
​10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Irish Fest Craft Show & Marketplace - Clare Elementary School
10:30 am - Irish Festival Bed Race - McEwan Street, State St. to 5th St.
10:45 am - Free Kids Fun Run - Clare High School
11:00 am - 7:00 pm - Irish Festival Main Stage - 4th St. Downtown
11:30 am - Newman Schools of Dance Performance - 4th St. Downtown
Noon - 46th Annual Irish Festival Parade and Flyover - McEwan St.
Following the parade the White Pine Bag Pipers performs downtown
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Scottville Clown Band performance at the Clare Moose Lodge
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Clare County Convention & Visitors Bureau
PO Box 226 / Clare, MI 48617
800-715-3550
Site design and maintenance courtesy of Lori Schuh Clare Graphics