Irish tradition keeps going in O'Neill ahead of St. Patrick's Day

O’NEILL, Neb. — O’Neill continued its weeklong St. Patrick’s Day celebration Saturday with the town’s annual parade through the center of the Irish Capital of Nebraska.

The parade featured local businesses, marching bands and the town’s well-known green horse. Floats traveled down the main street and across the world’s largest shamrock painted in the center of town.

The parade is one of several events held throughout the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

On Wednesday, the community held its annual Irish Walk of Fame induction ceremony. Volunteers repainted the giant shamrock on Thursday to prepare for the festivities, and on Friday the town dyed the water at Kearney Pond green.

Residents who attended the parade said the celebration is one of their favorite traditions of the year.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, and additional events are planned throughout the weekend and into the holiday.