Thousands enjoyed the luck of the Irish in Dublin at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival Saturday, March 14.
A sea of green could be seen throughout the town as citizens and visitors enjoyed a successful festival organized by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
“St. Patrick’s Day was a huge success! From kicking off the festivities with the pageants and the 5K, to the parade, more than 70 vendors, incredible bands, and talented performers downtown— 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 and reminding us all how lucky we are to live in Dublin,” 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 Thursday, March 12 with pageant director Sarah McNeal-Weaver and her team of volunteers aiding in the event. Thirteen young ladies competed for the Little Miss Dublin title.
Winners of the Little Miss Dublin Pageant include 2026 Little Miss Dublin McKinleigh Greenway (who also won Miss PhotogenicandMissCongeniality), 1st Runner Up Natalie Ontiveros and 2nd Runner Up Choochi Dominguez. Little Miss Pot of Gold was Natalie Ontiveros.
Friday, March 13 both the Miss Dublin and Junior Miss Dublin Pageants were held, showcasing five Miss Dublin contestants and nine Junior Miss Dublin contestants.
Winners of the Jr. Miss Dublin Pageant include Jr. Miss Dublin Ariyana Dominguez, 1st Runner Up Selah McCullough (also Miss Photogenic, Miss Pot of Gold and Miss Congeniality) and 2nd Runner Up Audrey Johnson.
Winners of the Miss Dublin Pageant include Miss Dublin 2026 Kassandra Rodriguez (who also received Miss Pot of Gold), 1st Runner Up Addison Ivie and 2nd Runner Up Jocelyn Perez (who also received Miss Photogenic). Zoey Soria received Miss Congeniality.
This year all contestants of all ages were entered in the Miss Photogenic award with unaltered photos provided by The Dublin Citizen.
Though final totals have not been calculated, significant scholarships will be awarded to the Miss Dublin winners.
Crowns for the event were donated by Pam Crabtree with Golden Butterfly and sashes were donated by B&H Custom Crafts.
As the pageants concluded and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival rolled into town Saturday, festivities were kicked off by the annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K featuring more than 75 runners. For complete coverage of the race, see page A13.
A lengthy parade tinged with green and gold traversed Blackjack to downtown Dublin after the race concluded. The parade was moved from its usual route due to the Patrick Street construction project.
Best float was awarded to the Lampasas Chamber of Commerce. First place went to United Daughters of the Confederacy for their float filled with members in period costume. Second place ent to Cajun Cowboys which entered with a bus and friendly crawfish greeting the crowd. Third place went to the talented horse riding Charros de Rancho Viejo.
A wide variety of entertainment, vendors and activities could be found in downtown Dublin in order to provide support for businesses.
A car show organized by the chamber featured more than 35 automobiles.
Best of Show went to Cody Copley with his 1939 Chevy pickup, Best Classic was awarded to Greg Lewis with his 1966 Bronco, Best Truck was awarded to Joe Brinkerhoff with his 1964 Chevy C-10, Best Custom went to Shane Harris with his 1964 Chevy and People’s Choice Award went to Pat Schultz’s 1965 Chevy Impala. 113 votes were cast in the People’s Choice award.
Throughout the day, live music with a variety of artists could be heard in Celebration Park next to Dublin Bottling Works.
Irish music was showcased this year providing audience members a chance to get their jig on.
This year also marks the first year Shenanigans Irish Pub is open and they hosted a Shenanigans Showcase Youth Edition where young artists could perform for a chance to win $500.
Hayes Pittman received first place, Scarlett York and Beau Garza received 2nd place. The event was sponsored by Attorney Tracy King, Little Authors and John Curtis.
For the first time inside the city limits, Dublin Renegades (in conjunction with the Dublin Heritage Rodeo Museum) hosted a live fast draw museum.
Though the event had to be shut down early due to winds, it was successful.
As a precursor to the festivities, Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum hosted its Decorate a Shamrock contest, an annual fundraiser for the museum.
“Thanks to all the entries in this year’s Shamrock contest hosted by Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum,” organizer Rick Taylor said. “Again, a huge thanks to all for the continued support.”
Dublin Vet Clinic is the overall first place winner, with Texas Bank winning 2nd and Dublin Dairy Queen receiving third.
Other awards included The Dublin Citizen (most informative), Golden Butterfly (most authentic), Walker Insurance (most authentic),Bankof Houston (most colorful), United Country Ranchers Choice Realty (most commercial), Salyer Chiropractic (most western).
Awards will be delivered upon pickup of shamrocks by April 1st.
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 254-459-0141.