On any other day, a group of grown men dressed as leprechauns vandalizing a town sign would be reason to phone the sheriff. But on March 16, New London embraces the green-festooned mischief makers, as the official town name is changed to "New Dublin" for a week, as part of Wisconsin’s longest and largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
From March 16-21, New London may as well be carpeted in shamrocks. The festivities culminate Saturday with Wisconsin’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade. The town of 6,919 swells as approximately 30,000 spectators line the parade route. This year’s lineup already has over 100 entrants. Nationally renown, the parade has been compared to similar celebrations in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, and was ranked eighth in the nation by AOL.
The Parade only begins Saturday’s fun. Irish Fest rocks an 80x180 foot heated tent in the Festival Foods parking lot. In addition to steaming food, cold beverages and market booths, Celtic rock bands Rising Gael and Seven Nations will take the stage.
Such an event has remarkably humble roots. In 1984, three high school pranksters carried a department store dummy down the street in a makeshift coffin, their own version of an Irish Wake. The prank was carried on the following year in the form of an official parade, and has grown exponentially ever since. The original prank is commemorated on Friday each year with Finnegan’s wake, which now includes a priest, widow and mourners spread around town, but keeps the event’s original roguish spirit.
The St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans
Monday—Leprechauns change the New London sign to New Dublin and invade local businesses and schools.
Tuesday—Dubbed Hooligan Day, local restaurants dish up corned beef and cabbage by the truckload.
Wednesday—Irish carolers serenade local nursing homes with traditional Irish sing-a-longs.
Thursday—Irish entertainment continues at New London High School with song, music and dance at 7 p.m.
Friday—Crystal Falls Banquet Facility plays host to the Ceili, a chance for families to learn Irish square dancing at 7 p.m. One hour later, Finnegan’s Wake pays its disrespects in the Irish Wake Parody.
Saturday—The parade starts at 1 p.m., while Irish Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local establishments are popular throughout the night.
