Every March, the communities of The Ozarks, MO transform into a sea of green as they embrace the lively and spirited celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This holiday, rooted in Irish heritage, has become a cornerstone of cultural festivities in the United States, and The Ozarks is no exception. From parades to pub gatherings and family-friendly events, the region offers a unique blend of traditional Irish charm and local flair.
But what makes St. Patrick’s Day so memorable in The Ozarks? It’s not just the festivities but also the sense of community and creativity that locals bring to this celebration. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor looking for a festive weekend, there’s plenty to discover about how this holiday is honored in this picturesque region.
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day traces its origins back to Ireland, where it began as a religious feast day in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint credited with bringing Christianity to the island during the 5th century. Over time, March 17th became a day for celebrating Irish culture, marked by parades, music, and traditional foods.
St. Patrick’s Day gained prominence in the United States during the 18th century as Irish immigrants sought to preserve their heritage while integrating into American society. The first recorded celebration occurred in 1600 in St. Augustine, Florida, with parades becoming a hallmark of the holiday by the mid-1700s. Today, it is celebrated nationwide with everything from large-scale parades to small-town gatherings, making it an enduring symbol of Irish pride and cultural unity.
Neighborhood Festivities in The Ozarks
In the Ozarks, St. Patrick’s Day is enthusiastically celebrated through various events catering to all ages and interests. One of the most anticipated highlights is the 41st Annual Lake of the Ozarks St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by Benne Media on Saturday, March 15th, at 1:00 PM along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. This parade is a spectacle of vibrant floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic participants decked in green.
Families gather along the strip with lawn chairs to enjoy an afternoon filled with music, candy-throwing floats, and community spirit.
For those seeking an evening celebration with a more adult-oriented vibe, head over to Camden on the Lake Resort for an event featuring drink specials, traditional Irish food, and live music from 8 PM until midnight. This gathering combines excellent food and entertainment for those who want to keep the festivities going well into the night.
Another exciting event is The i-Berry’s Irish Hooley, held at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar from 5 PM to 9 PM on March 15th. With live music and an authentic Irish atmosphere, this event promises a lively evening filled with camaraderie and fun.
These events showcase how The Ozarks brings people together through shared traditions while offering something for everyone—whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or lively nightlife.
Eco-Friendly Celebrations
While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with indulgence and revelry, it’s also an excellent opportunity to embrace sustainability. Many communities in The Ozarks have recently incorporated eco-friendly practices into their celebrations.
One way locals are making a difference is through green-themed community cleanups along lakeshores and parks. These initiatives allow residents to unite to celebrate and give back to their environment by keeping it clean and beautiful. Participants often dress in green attire to keep with the holiday spirit while positively impacting their surroundings.
Additionally, some local businesses have started offering eco-conscious options during their St. Patrick’s Day events—such as using biodegradable cups or encouraging carpooling to reduce emissions from event traffic. These efforts reflect a growing awareness of environmental responsibility within the community.
How Locals Celebrate
For many residents of The Ozarks, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day means blending traditional customs with personal touches that reflect their unique connection to the holiday. Families often gather for home-cooked meals featuring classic Irish dishes like corned beef, cabbage, or shepherd’s pie. Others participate in crafting activities with children—making shamrocks or leprechaun hats—to bring a festive atmosphere into their homes.
Some locals have even created traditions that add a creative twist to the holiday. One family transforms their backyard into an “Irish village” each year, with themed games for kids and live music for adults. Another group of friends has made it an annual tradition to kayak on Lake of the Ozarks dressed as leprechauns—a quirky yet memorable way to mark the occasion.
These personal stories highlight how St. Patrick’s Day is more than just an event; it’s a time for building connections and creating lasting memories within the community.
St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a cherished holiday that brings people together in joy and unity from its historical roots as a religious feast day to its modern-day celebrations filled with parades and parties. This spirit is alive and well in The Ozarks through vibrant neighborhood festivities like parades along Bagnell Dam Strip or lively pub events featuring music and traditional fare.
But beyond the festivities lies something more profound—a sense of community pride and creativity that makes celebrating this holiday in the Ozarks truly special. Whether you’re joining a parade crowd decked out in green or participating in eco-friendly initiatives that honor both tradition and sustainability, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the magic of St. Patrick’s Day here.
So this March 15th weekend, don your favorite green outfit and immerse yourself in all this beautiful region offers during one of its most festive times!
Sources: funlake.com, camdenonthelake.com, allevents.in, en.wikipedia.org, npg.si.edu, timeanddate.com
Header Image Source: funlake.com
