Since 1982, the town of Heppner, Ore., has turned its Irish heritage into an annual weekend tradition called “Wee Bit O’ Ireland.” It’s one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in the Pacific Northwest, and this year it will be held on the weekend of March 13-15.
The tradition continues this year with a weekend packed full of fun and games including a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, 5K Remembrance Walk/Run, the Cruz-In Car Show, Laser Tag, O’Planky Races, Bed Races, Welly Toss, Road Bowling, the Great Green Parade, Murray’s Beer and Blarney, artisan markets and much more.
Live entertainment will be provided by the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers and 24-year-old singer and songwriter Chantelle Padden — coming all the way from Dublin, Ireland! And there’ll be many delicious food and drink options as well as fun and games for the whole family.
To reach Heppner and its popular Irish celebration from Interstate 84 East, take exit 182 onto Oregon Route 207. Go south on 207 to Lexington and turn left on Main Street (Oregon 74). Follow OR-74 to Heppner.
For information and a schedule of events during “Wee Bit O’ Ireland,” visit heppnerchamber.com, call the Heppner Chamber of Commerce at (541) 676-5536 or send email to heppnerchamber@gmail.com.