WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) – For the first time since 2019, downtown Wichita Falls Development officials are moving forward with a full St. Patrick’s Day festival.
Jana Schmader, executive director of downtown development in Wichita Falls, said her team will go all out this year, not just for the St Patricks Day Festival but throughout the year, showing that downtown events are back in full force.
Live music, tasty food, and an amazing atmosphere are all things you can look forward to when you visit downtown for the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and have to adjust plans for the festival in the last couple of years, Schmader said. Solo is excited about the event, but local businesses in the area are hoping for heavy foot traffic.
“It’s such a wonderful day when people come down. It’s culture, it’s food, it’s music, and it just supports downtown. We’re a non-profit, so this will bring us back to supporting our mission, and while you’re downtown, you can stop by all of our great businesses and help support them as well,” said Schmader.
And due to the pandemic, several events have been canceled or changed. In 2023, Schmader said they are back and better than ever.
“I think the important thing for 2023 with Downtown Development is that we are all in and all behind. So each of our festivals will be a complete festival. What the public knows and what they love, St. Pats will be exactly the same, but with a few changes,” Schmader said.
Schamder has also been working with city officials to help beautify the downtown area in hopes of attracting more visitors.
“When the festivals roll around here, you’ll see some new signposts downtown, some new park benches, some new trash cans, and maybe some new public art, so there’s a lot going on at the same time and businesses and construction.” which is about to be opened,” Schmader said.
But Schmader doesn’t stop at St Patrick’s Fest.
“The first art walk will kick off on the first Thursday in April and we will go from April to October. So we’ll have St. Patrick’s in March, Cajun Fest in April, and we’ll start right away with our art walk starting in April, so we’re busy,” Schmader said.
And as you can imagine, they could use all the help they can get. Whether it’s by donating funds or donating your time by volunteering.
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival kicks off on Saturday, March 11 starting with the Downtown Dash 5k run. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the gate.
For more information on how to buy a ticket or if you would like to volunteer, click here.
