The 45th Annual St. Pat Irish Festival was a wonderful day in every way – and our first live event in three years!
Old friends met again, and new friendships were made. We remembered our beloved founder, Sr. Mary Watson – who died last year, and who we’ll truly celebrate at our 50th anniversary in 2023.
We also recognized the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen – the FOUIs – for all they’ve done to make us what we are today.
There are many to thank:
- The amazing members, staff and board of St. Pat, who worked so thoroughly and enthusiastically to make the event the success it was!
- Vince Borowski, who after three years was back in business, volunteering his time to work with SaTrice on all the complicated ins and outs that have to happen ahead of time and on the day itself
- Our tremendous team of volunteers from all over the place, who did everything it took, including moving from spot to spot to keep things running
- All the talented singers, players and dancers who volunteered their time to perform on three stages!
- Emcee extraordinaire Pat Johnson, who not only arranged all the performances, but also served as emcee on the Charlie Taylor Stage, and kept everything on schedule
- Brian Dunleavy and Bob Mundt, who spearheaded the three bars – an essential part of the event
- The FOUIs, of course – who staffed the bars and other areas and sang onstage to kick things off. President Dennis McKnight and co-chair Paul Doulette, with Joe Parsky, presented the center with a $10,000 check from their Corktown Races.
- Kathleen O’Neill and Bruce Smith of Detroit Irish Radio, who promoted the event ahead to time and broadcast live from the center
- Everyone else who helped
And of course, all of this would have meant nothing without all our great friends and supporters who turned out to celebrate St. Pat and our Irish traditions!
For the listing of all raffle winners, click HERE.