Wednesday marks the start of O’Neill, Nebraska’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a year after the event had to be halted because of the start of the pandemic. The celebration continues throughout the week leading to the main day of events on Saturday with a Fun Run, a grand parade, and other activities. CEO of the O’Neill Chamber of Commerce Lauri Havranek said it’s good to welcome back the celebration after missing some of the events last year.
"It is going to be one of the biggest parades we have had in years. And our St. Patrick's Day celebration is usually the first outdoor festival in the state, so we are going to kick it off big,” she said.
Havranek said St. Patrick’s Day is the first event to bring an influx of tourist dollars to the area since the start of the pandemic. For more information on the event visit the O’Neill Chamber of Commerce web page.