Irish American Heritage Month is a commonly overlooked celebration because it tends to get overshadowed by St. Patrick’s Day. Established in 1991 by the U.S. Congress, Irish American Heritage Month represents a way to recognize the significant contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants in American society. The first St. Patrick’s Day took place in Boston, Massachusetts, back in 1737 by a group of Irish immigrants called The Foundation of Charitable Irish Society.
“St. Patrick’s Day and Irish American Heritage Month are important because it shows the struggle and bravery Irish immigrants went through to become citizens in America,” community member Camryn Bryant said. “We also need to show support because it’s honoring Irish culture and heritage.”
Kitsap County has many celebrations all over for members in the community. One way people can celebrate in Kitsap County include the Bremerton’s St. Patrick’s Day parade that happens on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. At the parade, spectators had the pleasure of enjoying the festivities by dressing up in St. Patrick’s Day attire.
While participants enjoyed the liveliness of the parade, they had Disney princesses such as Snow White, Belle, and Elena of Avalor handing out necklaces to children and adults.
(Ashley Repine)
Shamrock in the Harbor is another event to participate in; according to Shamrock in the Harbor, the contestants will start running at the Cushman Trail Park and continue running until participants finish the race at Olympic Village Shopping Center.
One final way to celebrate is Breakfast With a Leprechaun; according to Breakfast with a Leprechaun, interested participants went to Hollis St. Bremerton to have a family-friendly breakfast with a leprechaun the day before St. Patrick’s Day.
“You could research and read more about Irish culture to show support to our community,” CKHS student Phebe Herron said.
There are still many more ways to celebrate in schools, communities, and even homes, to show support for Irish American Heritage Month.
“I believe Irish [American Heritage] Month is not really known, so maybe we can learn more about Irish culture or show more decorations in schools and the community,” CKHS student Milo Sterling said.
