Presented by Freedom First, the Shamrock Festival is an event held in downtown Roanoke on March 14 and 15. The celebration features parades, live music, vendors and themed refreshments. Residents from the Roanoke area gather for the weekend to celebrate Irish culture.

Performances are typically presented by local Irish dance groups. The festival also includes food trucks serving traditional dishes such as corned beef, shepherd’s pie and Irish soda bread.

Children can participate in games and crafts, while adults explore booths run by community vendors.

Riley Eades (11) was asked how the festival has grown or changed over the years. What started as a small community gathering has grown into a larger celebration that attracts more visitors each year. Eades said the festival now includes more food vendors, live performances and family activities than ever before.

She was also asked which highlights visitors should not miss at this year’s festival, and remarked that the live music and Irish dancing performances are crowd favorites. Organizers also encourage visitors to explore the different food vendors.

When asked what makes the Shamrock Festival special, Riley said the event stands out because of the way it brings people together. Visitors can enjoy entertainment while also supporting local businesses. The event also introduces many visitors to Irish culture through music, dancing and themed activities. where people can have fun with family and friends

Organizers hope the Shamrock Festival will continue each year, bringing more visitors to downtown Roanoke and strengthening the community and the city’s tradition of celebrating Irish culture.