St. Patrick’s Day Festival returns to Downtown Sikeston

SIKESTON — As the grass begins to green, so will Historic Downtown Sikeston on March 14 as the Ninth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival will be held in Legion Park.

The event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be held rain or shine and will feature more food trucks and vendors than in previous years and will include Auntie Anne’s Pretzels from West Plains, Mo., pork grinds and kettle korn, Sugar Chic ice cream, Caribeana Creole, Tasty Sno Crabs, SEMO Barbecue, Eagles Club fish sandwiches, Willy Bill’s BBQ, burgers, chicken and homemade onion rings.

Sponsored by the Sikeston Jaycees and Grant Financial Management, the Festival will also include beer sampling, live music by the band Used and Reused, a home brew competition, crafts and more.

Kathy Medley, executive vice president of the Sikeston Regional Chamber, said the crowds get bigger every year.

“It’s the first big spring festival and people are ready to enjoy an outdoors festival,” Medley said. “It’s a fun event and it brings people from all over the region to downtown Sikeston.”

Tickets are $15 per person for those who are 21 and older who plan to sample beer. Price includes a souvenir stein and beer samplings from participating vendors. Net proceeds benefit the Historic Downtown Sikeston revitalization projects.

“People will also have a chance to become a member of Downtown Sikeston, which helps support events like this,” said Jason Davis, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston.

The Festival is more than just sampling beer and has something for everyone.

Sikeston Parks and Recreation will be hosting a 1K Donut Dash. Registration for the run/walk will be at 10 a.m. with the event beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will be donut stations every 250 feet and costume prizes will be given. Kids are also welcome to take part and those interested can contact Dustin Care for more information.

The Sikeston Parks and Recreation St. Patrick’s Day Cornhole Tournament will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Legion Park as well. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three teams. The cost to register is $40 per team before March 14 and $50 per team on March 14. Register at the Clinton Building or online at www.sikestonparks.com. Email dcare@sikeston.org for more information.

“The day will be full of fun, great food, great music and great people in the greatest Downtown,” Davis said.