It wasn’t just Irish eyes smiling when crowds of people flooded downtown Dublin and the city park for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual event drawing throngs of people to the Irish Capital of Texas for its treasured St. Paddy’s Day events.
“St. Patrick’s Day was a huge success! From kicking off the festivities with the pageants and the 5K, to the parade, 50+ vendors, four incredible bands, and talented performers at Dublin City Park—the energy and community spirit were truly amazing. The participation from our community was overwhelming, and it’s a testament to how much Dublin has to offer and the incredible people who call it home. Thank you all for making this event unforgettable!,” Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Williams said. “A special thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to making this event possible. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed!”
St. Patrick’s Day week kicked off with the Little Miss Dublin Pageant. This year’s pageant committee included Pageant Director Sarah McNeal-Weaver, Summer Stone, Brenna Dominguez, Joli St.Germain, NavaLee White, Sarah Resendiz, Nancy Williams and Mindy Gardner.
Though final totals have not been calculated, Weaver said before expenses and scholarship payouts, all the pageants earned about $28,000.
“I feel like the pageant exceeded what I was hoping for in my head. I truly believe if I hadn’t had the team I worked with, we wouldn’t have accomplished this,” Weaver said. “Thank you for allowing me to complete my vision and for all of the community support. I’m incredibly thankful for everyone coming out and watching it.”
Weaver said the Chamber of Commerce gave her full trust and that aided in growing the pageants. All pageants were standing room only with extra chairs having to be brought in.
Several changes were made to this year’s pageants including scholarship amounts.
This year, Miss Dublin will receive a $3,000 scholarship (after her reign as Miss Dublin), 1st Runner Up will receive a $2,000 scholarship and 2nd Runner Up will receive $1,000 scholarship.
For the first time, Jr. Little Miss winner will receive a $250 scholarship to be used on something educational such as money for a laptop, tablet or to attend a summer camp.
This year, Miss Dublin and Jr. Miss Dublin Contestants were provided with enrichment courses including interview skills. They were also taught etiquette during a tea party that took place during the interview portion of the event.
Award winners for the Little Miss Pageant include Little Miss Dublin Cami Sanchez, 1st Runner Up Litzy Rodriguez, 2nd Runner Up Carver Harris, Miss Most ticket sales Dylan Stone and Miss Congeniality McKinleigh Greenway.
Award Winners for the Jr. Miss Dublin Pageant include Jr. Miss Dublin Natalie Johnson , 1st Runner Up Kinsler Jo Lambert who also won Miss Pot of Gold and Miss Congeniality and 2nd runner up Audrey Johnson.
Kinsler Jo raised $3,000 by herself, more than any other contestant in any of this year’s pageants.
Award winners for the Miss Dublin Pageant include Miss Dublin Vanessa Pantoja who also won Miss Pot of Gold raising $2,835, 1st Runner Up Emma Vargas who also won Miss Congeniality and 2nd runner up Bailey Watson.
Sponsors for the pageant included: ClearPath, Rigos Welding, Crazy Heart, Granny Clark’s, Gilman Properties, Nancy Williams U1st Realty Group PPTX, Mindy Gardener- Ind. Mary Kay independent consultant, Dublin Family Dentistry, Azteca Mexican Bar and Grill, Cade Richmond Hay, Land and Cattle Co., Texas Sage Nursery, Yarborough Surfaces and B2 Welding, Flute South Dairy, Tony Pantoja Cattle Hoof Care and Hacienda Camino Real, Dublin Livestock Auction, K. Gonzales Trucking and Blooms by Hailey!, Hill Country Estates of Hico, Dublin Dairy Queen, Stephenville Nursing and Rehabilitation, Buckhorn Pumps Inc., First National Bank and Smith Taxidermy, Thomson Services, Rockin’ D Hydraulics, Solano family and Aguilar Customs.
Crowns for the event were donated by Pam Crabtree with Golden Butterfly and sashes were donated by B&H Custom Crafts. Floral design was provided by Dublin Blooms, the FFA’s floral design program and Texas Sage.
As the pageant committee begins looking towards next year, Weaver said she would love to see double the contestants in each age group.
“I’m excited about the momentum and we may look at bring back the Little Leprechaun and a baby pageant,” she said.
As the pageants concluded and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival rolled into town Saturday, March 15, festivities were kicked off by the annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K featuring about 100 runners. For complete coverage of the race, see page B1.
A lengthy parade showcase a sea of green and gold traversed the main roads in downtown Dublin after the race concluded.
A wide variety of entertainment, vendors and activities could be found at City Park.
This year, a small International Food Festival provided samples to a voting public.
Lori and Jeffrey Beggs received first place by only a single point with their traditional German dish rouladen and red cabbage and Brenda Phillips received second place with corned beef and cabbage.
During the scavenger hunt sponsored by Stephenville/ Dublin KOA, participants hunted all over the park for a variety of clues for a chance to win prize baskets full of gifts from local businesses.
Winners from the first hunt include Derris Lueck and from the second hunt Jeremy Holdridge.
As a precursor to the festivities, Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum hosted its Decorate a Shamrock contest.
Trophy Winners include Dublin Vet Clinic for Most Authentic, Golden Butterfly Jewelers for Most Beautiful and Dublin Dairy Queen for Most Original.
Green Certificate winners include Brenda Dukeman – Most Unique, Bank of Houston – Luckiest, City of Dublin – Most Decorative, Texas Bank – Most Spirited, United Country Real Estate Ranchers Choice – Community Team Player, Blessings – Most Gifted, Bradberry Builders Supply – Most Supportive, Salyer Chiropractic Clinic – Team Player, Dublin Citizen – News Worthy, Walker Insurance Agency – Good as Gold, Miss Lilly G Texas Directory – Most Colorful and First National Bank – Hidden Treasure.
Each year, businesses and individuals make a donation to the Rodeo Heritage Museum to decorate wooden shamrocks on display for St. Patrick’s Day and compete in a contest. Those interested in participating for next year can contact Rick Taylor at 254459-0141.
“If you have a passion for growth and positive change in our community, we encourage you to get involved and volunteer. We are so proud of Dublin and grateful for all the positive feedback,” Chamber President Nancy Williams said.
Sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Festival include Texas Sage, 360 Ag Management Dairies, A+ PortaKans, B&H Custom Crafts, Blessings, Borges Media, Dublin Auto Repair, Dublin Livestock, Golden Butterfly, KCOM, KYOX, KSTV Country, KSTV Fiesta, Mindy Gardner, Ind. Mary Kay consultant, Nancy Williams, U1st Realty group, Stephenville Area Elks Lodge, Texas Bank, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, U.S. Sand and Gravel and Waste Connections of Stephenville.