Every year I return to my hometown for the Irish Day celebration in Erin, Tennessee, held on the third Saturday in March. I’ve always been proud of how this small town manages to throw this party each year. There’s a parade, a carnival with rides, booths with crafts, and just about every church in the county turns out with something either fried or baked to eat. This year saw the addition of a magician entertaining the crowd gathered in front of the bank, and a surprisingly talented (and not bad looking) Irish band that played on the square called Feckless Fearless Dearg (pictured above). You just can’t go wrong with a band whose members wear kilts. Bonus points when they’re actually talented.

My favorite part of event is spending time with family and old friends. It’s like a family and high school reunion mashup. It was great fun to see you Tammy, Jill, and Sondie. Until next year…

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of God’s hand.

Traditional Irish Blessing