About
What is now known as the St Patrick Parnell Festival has a long history. The first festivals were actually parish picnics started in 1865. The picnics were simple potlucks with some dancing and socializing to complement the homemade food. As the community in the Parnell/Ada area grew, the picnics took on a different form. The festivities were moved to the larger grounds as they became more of a homecoming event. As the years passed, the festival became a major fundraiser for the Parish community by selling their famous chicken dinners in 1923 for a whopping 50 cents!
In the 1950's St Patrick's became known throughout West Michigan for its festival. Thousands of dinners were served and the entertainment became greater and greater; Car shows, horse shows and tractor displays were added and raffle and bingo games were played throughout the three-day event.
It wasn't until 2010 that someone suggested a 5K race be added to the list of activities to do during the festival, and the St Patrick Festival run was inaugurated.
Today, the festival is no different from the earlier days in that it's a three-day event and draws in crowds from all over West Michigan -- albeit they come in cars and not a horse-drawn carriages however!
Johnny's Run kicks off the three-day weekend, followed by a beer and food tent and live music. Saturday, there is an auction, food and beer tents and Vegas night. On Sunday, enjoy the famous Chicken Dinner, along with kids' games, Bingo, a Quilt Exhibit, Live Music, Annual Antique Car-Truck-Tractor Show, and Beer tent.
