Clover to celebrate its Irish roots

The town of Clover will be decked in green Saturday, March 14, when it celebrates its Irish roots during its 17th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival.

The event, hosted by the town, will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14 along Main Street. Event organizer Amy Gonzalez said it usually attracts about 3,000 people.

Events include a 5K run/walk and an Irish bench press competition for men and women, both hosted by the Clover YMCA, a dog show and a day of live entertainment.

Admission and entertainment is free. Carnival rides require purchased tickets.

The 13th annual Leprechaun Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the back of First Baptist Church of Clover. Cost is $10 in advance for adults and $20 on race day, and $5 for children 12 and younger, or $10 on race day. Ages 5 and younger are free.

The 10th annual Irish Strong Men and Women’s Bench Press Competition will begin with a 10:30 a.m. weigh-in and 11:30 a.m. competition on the Main Stage, on the lawn of the First Baptist Church Christian Outreach Activity Center. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 on event day.

Proceeds from both the run/walk and the bench press event will benefit the YMCA’s programs for special needs children and adults.

The dog show, also on the Main Stage, will begin at 1 p.m., with event day registration from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no event fee, but all participating dogs must be registered. Donations will be accepted for York County Animal Control.

Competition categories for the dog show are St. Patrick’s Pooch for the best Irish costumed dog, Most Talented Tail Wagger, Face Only a Mother Could Love and Best in Show. All dogs will be entered in the Best in Show event.

Live entertainment will be on the Main Stage, where community groups will perform, and the Knox Street Stage at Knox and Main street.

On the Knox Street Stage, music by the Contagious Blues Band will be from noon to 2 p.m. and Finally Friday will perform from 2 to 4 p.m.

Festival-goers are encouraged to dress in their best St. Patrick’s Day attire, and prizes will be given for those in Irish costumes.

Visit the town website at cloversc.org to find information and to complete applications for the 5K run/walk and bench press event.

For information, call 803-222-9493 or email agonzalez@cloversc.org.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Clover to celebrate its Irish roots."