Emporia Celebrates 31 Years of Successful St. Patrick's Day Festivities

Annual parade, bier garden, and fundraising efforts continue to bring community together.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:41am

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Emporia, Kansas enjoyed another successful St. Patrick's Day celebration on Saturday, with a parade featuring nearly 30 entries, a lively 'bier garden' event called Town Royal, and ongoing fundraising efforts by the St. Patrick's Committee that have generated almost $390,000 over the past 31 years to benefit local organizations and non-profits.

Why it matters

The annual St. Patrick's Day festivities in Emporia have become an important community tradition, bringing residents together to celebrate their Irish heritage while also raising significant funds for local charities and causes. The event's longevity and continued growth demonstrate the strong community spirit and pride in Emporia.

The details

The parade featured nearly 30 entries, while the Town Royal 'bier garden' event included activities for all ages, from beads and bagpipes to frosty beverages. The St. Patrick's Committee has shifted its fundraising focus in recent years, with sponsorships now primarily funding scholarships at Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, though the committee may announce additional beneficiaries later this spring.

  • The annual St. Patrick's Day activities in Emporia took place on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Over the past 31 years, the St. Patrick's Committee has raised almost $390,000 to benefit local organizations and non-profits.

The players

Barb Lowery

A member of the St. Patrick's Committee, Lowery discussed the committee's shift in fundraising focus to primarily fund scholarships at local colleges.

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What they’re saying

“Sponsorships now primarily fund scholarships at Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, but Lowery says there could be an announcement later this spring on other beneficiaries.”

— Barb Lowery, St. Patrick's Committee member

What’s next

The St. Patrick's Committee may announce additional beneficiaries for their fundraising efforts later this spring.

The takeaway

Emporia's long-running St. Patrick's Day celebration continues to be a source of community pride and support, with the St. Patrick's Committee adapting its fundraising efforts over the years to best serve local organizations and educational institutions.