The 17th annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Day Festival will be upon us soon. Everyone in town looks forward to the local rite of spring that takes place in Emerald Plantation, this year falling on March 15th from 9am to 5pm. There will be bands, a beer garden, food and craft vendors, rides, and more:

8 am at the Eastern Regional Access (2701 Emerald Dr.) Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation will sponsor an 8k road race. Registration is from 6:45am to 7:30am at the access. Fees for the race are $15 before March 10th and $20 after. The first 100 registrants receive a free t-shirt. There are seven age categories that have awards.

At 11 am on the main stage catch the Little Ms. And Mr. Leprechaun Contest. Boys and girls ages 2-3 and 4-5 will be in leprechaun costumes and judged on originality, creativity, and overall stage presentation. The contest requires pre-registration no later than 12pm Friday March 14th. Registered participants are asked to be under the main stage tent by 10:30am n the day of the contest.