History of St. Patrick's Festival

Every March, when it's time for another St. Patrick's Festival, Dublin becomes as Irish as its name. Whether one is Irish or not, it's time for a little shamrock-wearin', Irish-jig dancin', and light-hearted fun as Dublin and Laurens County join together in promoting the community, and primarily, in just having fun - celebrating "a Wee Bit of Ireland in Georgia!"

And, this is how it all began. The festival was born of a casual conversation, January 1966, in the 'coffee room' of WMLT-AM radio station. For some years prior to March of 1966, when the first festival was held, WMLT's News Director Richard (Dick) E. Killebrew had celebrated Saint Patrick's Day by playing Irish music and making Irish jokes on St. Patrick's Day. The idea of holding some kind of special event on this day began taking shape in his mind; Dublin had the makings of a "special something" for St. Patrick's in its people and in its name. Dublin, Georgia is just one of the fourteen Dublins in the U.S.A., but it is by far the largest of the fourteen. Folks from the University of Georgia had urged on many occasions making something of the name. So after several years of Irish songs and stale Irish jokes, Dick approached Ed Hilliard, WMLT station manager, and asked about something else besides music and jokes on St. Patrick's Day. The entire staff of WMLT caught the Irish bug and Hilliard finally relented. It was then single handedly, the staff of WMLT, headed by Ed, that put on something special for St. Patrick's Day, except, it just wasn't for a day but for a whole week.

The decision was made to have a countywide community event called the St. Patrick's Festival, and letters and phone calls were made to get feedback on the idea. The results were encouraging, as the local civic clubs, businesses, Chamber of Commerce and others were enthusiastic in their support of the festival. At this time, W.H. Champion, editor of the Dublin Courier Herald, was asked to join as a co-founder. With his acceptance, the enthusiasm and support gained momentum. On January 31, 1996, a St. Patrick's Festival Planning Meeting was held by the co-founders - WMLT-AM Radio, and the Dublin Courier Herald. Club representatives were invited to attend, and tentative plans for the festival were discussed. From this meeting came the outline of the first festival's calendar of events. The first festival had over 20 events scheduled.

In 1968, Charles K. Billings, Director of Voluntary Services at the Dublin V.A. Medical Hospital, was appointed General Chairman. It was Chuck who took the festival to the people and organized a festival steering committee, comprised of presidents of civic clubs and public officials. In 1970, under John Hambrick's chairmanship, the festival was restructured and incorporated as the Dublin-Laurens County St. Patrick's Festival.

World's Largest Pot of Irish Stew
Christ Episcopal Church - Dublin, Georgia

50 pounds of Carrots
17 pounds of Onions
50 pounds of Potatoes
1 pound of Garlic
33 pounds of Celery Spices
1 Gallon of Burgundy Wine
20 pounds of Beef
Lots of Water

Use an 80-gallon pot. Stew is stirred with a boat paddle. Slow cook for 5-7 hours. Serves approximately 500 people. Also served: Homemade Irish Soda Bread, Coleslaw, Brownies and a Beverage for only $3.50.

Visit www.saintpatricksfestival.com  for more information !