By Christopher Johnson
Clare’s much anticipated Irish Festival is back, and this year’s edition promises to be the most spirited yet. Running Wednesday, March 11th through Saturday, March 14th, the four-day celebration transforms downtown Clare into a hub of Irish-inspired food, music, competition, and community. With something on the schedule for virtually everyone.
Wednesday
The festivities open Wednesday evening with a pair of concurrent events. Business After Hours runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Doherty Hotel, sponsored by Mercantile Bank and 95.3 CFX.
The evening’s most competitive atmosphere will likely be found at the Doherty Hotel, where Mid Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters will be hosting its Live Auction as part of the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Presented by MOSS.
Bidders will vie for an eclectic spread of items. Among them a hand-forged knife handmade in Rosebush with a lifetime warranty, a one-of-a-kind piece from Devil’s Rope Studio, a full car service package at Bishop GMC of Clare, and an intimate dinner for six at the iconic Doherty House & Gardens.
Sports fans will find plenty to chase as well, with a Great Lakes Loons gameday suite, and a rare Lansing Lugnuts Owners Suite experience that includes throwing the first pitch.
Also, a walleye fishing and cruising charter for four. Aboard a 30-foot Rampage Yacht courtesy of Timeout Charters. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort rounds out the evening with a two-night first-class stay and concert tickets. While two Traverse City excursions offer condo getaways and an All-Star trip to Indianapolis, courtesy of the Indiana Pacers. This includes premium seats and a signed Caitlyn Clark shirt.
Simultaneously, Four Leaf Brewing hosts Irish Pub Trivia at 6:00 PM for those looking to test their knowledge over a pint.
Thursday
Thursday picks up the pace. The Clare High School Cafeteria hosts an Irish Recipe Contest from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, sponsored by Mid Michigan College and The Hempire Collective.
Open to individuals, youth 17 and under, and businesses alike, contestants may enter up to two categories spanning Irish appetizer, Irish entrée, and Irish dessert. Judges will select a youth, adult, and business winner from each category. Meaning the competition is as inclusive as it is savory.
While the dishes are being scored, Farwell High School’s Melodic Fusion will perform. Giving the evening a festive soundtrack to go alongside whatever emerges from Clare’s home kitchens. Those interested in competing can contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442.
At 6:30 PM, Four Leaf Brewing hosts a Stein Holding Contest, also known as Masskrugstemmen (MAHSS-kroog-stem-men). This is a Bavarian test of strength and stubbornness.
Contestants must extend a full one-liter beer stein straight out in front of them, arm parallel to the ground, and hold it there. That’s roughly five pounds of beer and glass suspended on sheer willpower. The last person standing with proper form takes the win. It sounds deceptively simple until your arm starts to quake.
This event is sponsored by RISE Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that focuses on sexual assault awareness. Offering safety, shelter and empowerment.
The Gateway Community Band will take the stage at the Clare High School Gym from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, which will conclude the second day of the festival.
Friday
Friday is when the festival truly spills into the streets. Road closures take effect at 1:00 PM on McEwan Street from 5th to 3rd and on 4th Street from alley to alley, signaling that downtown Clare belongs to the festival for the weekend.
Fire braziers and firewood, provided by Members First Credit Union, will line the area from 5:00 PM through midnight, giving the evening a warm, communal glow. Food trucks fan out downtown from 5:00 to 11:00 PM, offering plenty of options for hungry foot traffic.
At 5:30 PM, one of the festival’s more unique traditions takes place at the intersection of 4th and McEwan Streets: the Blessing of the Blarney Stone. Which is a nod to Irish lore.
The evening continues at Four Leaf Brewing with a Barrel Race at 6:00 PM, sponsored by both the bar and local radio station, 95.3 CFX.
The final arc of Friday’s docket will gravitate toward the Doherty Hotel Comedy Show. Which will take place from 7 PM to 9 PM. The evening’s comedy bill features two sharp acts:
Chris Young is a nationally touring clean comedian whose self-deprecating outlook on life has earned him millions of views on DryBar, festival spots at Gilda’s Laughfest and the Canton Comedy Festival, and a winner’s trophy from TV20 Detroit’s “That’s Funny” contest. He has shared the stage with Dave Coulier, Bob and Tom’s Mike Armstrong, and others. Expect sharp, relatable humor and a guaranteed closing line.
Joining Young on the bill is Kate Brindle, a quick and energetic comedian whose sarcastic wit has taken her from Canadian broadcast television to festival stages across North America. She has advanced in California’s Funniest Female competition, appeared at the Oddball Comedy Festival, and opened for Sarah Silverman and Louie Anderson.
Saturday
Saturday is the festival’s biggest day, and it starts bright and early.
The Clare Irish Festival Road Race kicks off at 8:00 AM from Clare High School, with 10K, 5K, and 2-mile walk options staggered between 9:00 and 9:15 AM. Registration is available at ClarelrishFestival.com.
Over at Witbeck’s Family Foods, a Leprechaun Contest and a Strongman Competition— also sponsored by Clare Family Fitness—will run simultaneously, starting at 9:00 AM. The latter will continue through 6:00 PM.
Kiss My Irish A$$ sets up next to Whitehouse Restaurant at 9:00 AM, while Some Ukulele Nuts deliver an Irish performance at Cops and Doughnuts from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
The Irish Craft and Vendor Market runs all day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Clare Primary School, alongside food trucks at the same location.
Joel Tacey’s Tiptop Entertainment will be strolling through downtown in two shifts: 10:30 AM to noon and again from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, sponsored by Clare Kiwanis. At 11:00 AM, the White Pine Pipes and Drums begin their march throughout Clare as well.
The Parade itself steps off at noon on McEwan Street from Clare VFW to 3rd Street. As usual, it is the traditional heart of the Saturday experience.
The afternoon winds down with the Scottsville Clown Band at the Clare Moose Lodge at 2:00 PM, followed by the Chelsea House Orchestra performing on McEwan Street from 3rd to 5th Streets at 3:00 PM. A second Barrel Race at Four Leaf Brewing closes the competitive chapter of the weekend at 3:00 PM. Road closure is expected to revert to its original traffic afterwards.
The Clare Irish Festival continues to be a community institution, and this year’s schedule reflects exactly that. Four days of tradition, competition, music, and the kind of small-town warmth that makes Clare worth celebrating. Again, if you have any remaining questions, feel free to contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442.
