Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/04/2008 10:25 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 02/22/2008 09:26 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Murphys Irish Day Is Almost Here...Can You Believe It!
Murphys, CA...The Murphys Irish Day organizing committee, under the leadership of Murphys Business Association (MBA) president Michelle Plotnik, is at work creating this year’s celebration that will be held Saturday, March 15th. Murphys Irish Day, one of the Mother Lode’s most popular happenings, is presented each year by the Murphys Business Association with proceeds going for scholarships and a variety of community improvements....
(We have 60 plus photos for you of the 2007 Irish Day Event Below)
 
“Last year’s event was a huge success,” states Plotnik. “It fell on St. Patrick’s Day, which doesn’t happen very often, and we had fantastic weather. We want to make sure that the thousands of people who had such a great time will want to make a return visit.”
MBA board member Jan Edmonson has the responsibility for securing the vendors that line historic Main Street. Exhibitors must produce their own handcrafted items and only original art and photography will be on sale. Other vendors will be selling a variety of foods and beverages. There is no booth spaces available as of 2/15/08 as there is a limit of one hundred vendors.
This year’s popular Silent Auction, to be held in the Native Sons Hall, is being organized by the Murphys Volunteer Fire Department. Local artists, winemakers, and merchants are being solicited for items to be auctioned. In addition, anyone wishing to donate a treasured antique or heirloom that would stimulate spirited bidding should contact coordinator Bill Fullerton at 728-3864.
Parade organizers JoAnna and Bob Reagan are faced with a pleasant dilemma. There is a limit as to how many participants can be accommodated because of the size of the staging area. At the same time, the Reagans want to introduce new and unusual entries to entertain the crowd. Anyone interested in trying to make the lineup should contact the coordinators at 728-9012.
The two most important factors in assuring the success of Irish Day are the civic-minded sponsors and the dedicated volunteers.
Louise Klassen has the responsibility for securing sponsors. Sponsorships are available at various levels. Already signed up at the highest Pot-of-Gold level are Black Oak Casino and Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital. At the Emerald level are Northern California Power Agency, Sierra Garden Center, and Vintage Realty. Another twenty businesses are also on board at various levels. Any individual or business that would like to support this major community effort is encouraged to call Klassen at 728-3721.
Volunteers are needed for many assignments. Several streets are closed for Irish Day activities requiring a number of people to stand at barricades to control traffic and welcome visitors to the event. It takes more than 150 volunteers to put on Irish Day. Anyone wanting to be part of this Murphys tradition should contact volunteer coordinator Patty Schultz at 728-1600.
In addition to the vendors, silent auction, and parade, Murphys Irish Day features a variety of activities ranging from a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. to continuous music and other entertainment until 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.
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