166th Irish Picnic: July 25, 2020
The pandemic of 2020 posed a challenge to the Irish Picnic this summer. Since 1854, the St. Patrick Irish Picnic, held the last Friday and Saturday in July, has been St. Patrick School’s major fundraiser, covering 10% of operating costs. School parents, parishoners, and those who love St. Patrick School come together every year to continue the tradition of the Irish Picnic. In a normal year, the event draws 8,000 to 12,000 people from across Tennessee and many other states. Attendees enjoy live music, dancing, carnival-style games at 14 booths, a silent auction, a prize drawing, and of course the famous BBQ pork and chicken.
However, within the context of a pandemic, the question of holding the picnic this year was raised. The County Mayor and Health Department were concerned about a large influx of visitors from other counties with much higher counts of COVID-19 cases. However, completely canceling the event was not a viable option for the St. Patrick community. Not only was the school depending on the income from the picnic, but it would break a 166-year tradition.
Through the creativity of many, a plan for a reduced Irish Picnic, which met the health requirements, was developed and submitted to the Dioceses and the State Health Department. The proposal was approved and St. Patrick moved forward to hold the 166th Irish Picnic on July 25.
“The support for St. Patrick School through this year’s Irish Picnic was truly a work of the heart,” said Sister Mary Grace Watson, who finished her six year term as the school’s principal with this final event. “Even though we needed to make adjustments to our regular festivities, the community thought ‘outside the box’ with creative ways to continue the 166 year tradition.” The Irish Picnic did not have any music, games, or other live events on the grounds, but what it did have was many generous customers who drove through the drive through to pick up their pre-ordered barbeque. Parents and parish volunteers greeted and served those who came for the “drive-thru picnic.” By 3pm on Saturday afternoon, all 780 pork shoulders were sold. The silent auction and prize drawing tickets, which was moved online, was more successful than in years past. People from all over the diocese and even outside the state participated. “As many Catholic schools [throughout the country] had to close their doors this year due to the pandemic, the Humphreys County and St. Patrick community ensured that this would not happen to our school,” Sister Mary Grace said.
Thanks to God’s blessing and the generosity of the community, the net proceeds were within about 10% of a normal Irish Picnic. “We were blessed by the community with direct donations that were about 10 times higher than normal and also indirect donations where, for example, people did not want any change back, rounded up their payment, or paid $250 for a $100 purchase,” said Mike Bradley, one of the major organizers. Fr. Zack Kirangu, pastor of St. Patrick, expressed his own gratitude: “Never in a million years did we think we would manage to have a successful Picnic this year despite the pandemic, but with your support, we have accomplished that incredible feat.”
Sister Mary Grace spoke of the creativity and generosity of the community. “From backyard family picnics to our online auction to a BBQ drive-through that lasted for seven hours to donation checks sent in the mail from around the country, our community stepped up!” she said
“The support of our children and their Catholic education was overwhelming,” Mike Bradley added.
“This was definitely an Irish Picnic to remember,” said Vicki James, secretary and long-time parishioner of St. Patrick. “Just being there that day was beautiful to see all the support from the community and other areas. This is our biggest fundraiser and you helped make it one that we will never forget.”
The students themselves were very aware of this incredible gift. They created a video to thank the community and through it, friends of St. Patrick’s can see the gratitude of the children they supported, which is posted above for your enjoyment.
St. Patrick School wishes to say thank you to all their friends who went above and beyond to help them begin their school year. Sister Mary Grace sends this message: “Because of your goodness, St. Patrick School will be able to continue serving the families of our area, forming seekers of truth and bearers of love, needed now more than ever. May God bless you abundantly!”
However, within the context of a pandemic, the question of holding the picnic this year was raised. The County Mayor and Health Department were concerned about a large influx of visitors from other counties with much higher counts of COVID-19 cases. However, completely canceling the event was not a viable option for the St. Patrick community. Not only was the school depending on the income from the picnic, but it would break a 166-year tradition.
Through the creativity of many, a plan for a reduced Irish Picnic, which met the health requirements, was developed and submitted to the Dioceses and the State Health Department. The proposal was approved and St. Patrick moved forward to hold the 166th Irish Picnic on July 25.
“The support for St. Patrick School through this year’s Irish Picnic was truly a work of the heart,” said Sister Mary Grace Watson, who finished her six year term as the school’s principal with this final event. “Even though we needed to make adjustments to our regular festivities, the community thought ‘outside the box’ with creative ways to continue the 166 year tradition.” The Irish Picnic did not have any music, games, or other live events on the grounds, but what it did have was many generous customers who drove through the drive through to pick up their pre-ordered barbeque. Parents and parish volunteers greeted and served those who came for the “drive-thru picnic.” By 3pm on Saturday afternoon, all 780 pork shoulders were sold. The silent auction and prize drawing tickets, which was moved online, was more successful than in years past. People from all over the diocese and even outside the state participated. “As many Catholic schools [throughout the country] had to close their doors this year due to the pandemic, the Humphreys County and St. Patrick community ensured that this would not happen to our school,” Sister Mary Grace said.
Thanks to God’s blessing and the generosity of the community, the net proceeds were within about 10% of a normal Irish Picnic. “We were blessed by the community with direct donations that were about 10 times higher than normal and also indirect donations where, for example, people did not want any change back, rounded up their payment, or paid $250 for a $100 purchase,” said Mike Bradley, one of the major organizers. Fr. Zack Kirangu, pastor of St. Patrick, expressed his own gratitude: “Never in a million years did we think we would manage to have a successful Picnic this year despite the pandemic, but with your support, we have accomplished that incredible feat.”
Sister Mary Grace spoke of the creativity and generosity of the community. “From backyard family picnics to our online auction to a BBQ drive-through that lasted for seven hours to donation checks sent in the mail from around the country, our community stepped up!” she said
“The support of our children and their Catholic education was overwhelming,” Mike Bradley added.
“This was definitely an Irish Picnic to remember,” said Vicki James, secretary and long-time parishioner of St. Patrick. “Just being there that day was beautiful to see all the support from the community and other areas. This is our biggest fundraiser and you helped make it one that we will never forget.”
The students themselves were very aware of this incredible gift. They created a video to thank the community and through it, friends of St. Patrick’s can see the gratitude of the children they supported, which is posted above for your enjoyment.
St. Patrick School wishes to say thank you to all their friends who went above and beyond to help them begin their school year. Sister Mary Grace sends this message: “Because of your goodness, St. Patrick School will be able to continue serving the families of our area, forming seekers of truth and bearers of love, needed now more than ever. May God bless you abundantly!”
