Dave Ogilvie
Whether you are Irish or not, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were well-attended across the district.
In the central area alone, suppers, teas, and dances lasted for a full three days.
The festivities in Emo began with a fantastic beef dinner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church last Thursday (March 17).
Following the meal, which was supplied and cooked by church members, Tara Grant entertained those on hand with some traditional Irish dancing while her brother, Matthew, dazzled everyone with some tunes on the bagpipes.
A sing-a-long of well-known Irish songs was led by some local musicians, including Mary Curtis and Fr. Alan.
Other activities included a penny table and a door prize draw.
The next event, which was run by some of the same volunteers, was the Emo and District Hospital Auxiliary’s annual “Shamrock Tea & Bake Sale” held Friday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Emo hospital cafeteria.
Always well-attended and supported by people from across the district, this year’s tea and bake sale was no exception.
Everyone who took the time to stop by enjoyed an afternoon of tea, sandwiches, and fellowship. Meanwhile, the baking provided by members and supporters of the auxiliary disappeared quickly from the table.
Proceeds from this event will assist in paying for the new digital X-ray equipment at the Emo hospital.
Then on Friday night, the “Country Jam” musicians held their monthly evening of old-time country music and dancing at the Emo Legion.
Although officially not a St. Patrick’s celebration, it was one of the best-attended “jams” by both musicians and music-lovers in a long time.
Parking definitely was at a premium, prompting a police cruiser to stop by the lot to check out the reason for all the excitement.
Next month’s “Country Jam” is slated for Friday, April 8 starting around 7 p.m.
Finally, this year’s Irish celebrations concluded with a dinner Saturday evening at the Chapple Hall in Barwick.
Hosted by the Rainy River District Women’s Institute and the Chapple Heritage Committee, the dinner featured the traditional Irish dishes of corned beef, cabbage, and pork, as well as an array of side dishes and desserts.
Following the meal, members of the “Country Jam” musicians entertained while those in attendance purchased tickets for the penny table items and placed bids on the silent auction.
Local MPP Howard Hampton, who was on hand, did his best to create some competition on specific auction items.
Funds raised from the evening, including the penny table and silent auction, will go towards supporting both the Chapple Museum in Barwick and the W.I. Pioneer Museum in Emo.
The organizers of these annual events wish to thank those who attended and supported their various causes, and are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.
