Celebrating Irish American Heritage Month in Oklahoma

Photo Courtesy: Tulsa Irish Fest

(OKLAHOMA) It’s officially the luckiest month of the year. The impact of Irish immigrants and Irish culture have been celebrated in the U.S. every March since 1991. 

Oklahoma is no different. As of 2024, 9 percent of Oklahoma’s population claims Irish ancestry. .9 percent claim to be Scots Irish.

The Irish have had a strong presence in what is known as Oklahoma since the 1800s. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the forced relocation of the Five Civilized Tribes to Indian Territory also brought the Irish, as many mixed blood members had an Irish parent or spouse. 

Years later, the Choctaw Gift to the starving people of Ireland during the Great Hunger would forge a bond that continues to evolve to this day.

Related Story: Sculpture celebrating Irish connection unveiled in Choctaw Nation

The latest evolution is the second annual Choctaw-Irish Friendship Fest, to be held at the Choctaw Cultural Center for two full days, March 14th and 15th. 

“Our Living Village will be a hub of activity with weapons demonstrations, a blacksmith, stickball, social dancing, and much more,” said Sandy Vigil, the Director of Education for the Choctaw Cultural Center. “Choctaw registered artists will have artwork on display inside. And we will also have children’s activities, a selfie booth, and storytelling inside the center.”

The Choctaw-Irish Friendship Fest will also include Frybread workshops and an Eternal Heart Children’s Activity. 

Between 1871 and 1872, many Irish born tracklayers came to work for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Company (MK&T) that went through Indian Territory. 

Several of the Irish who came to work for the railroads also stayed and married members of the tribes.  

Those looking to celebrate their Irish heritage have more opportunity than ever this year, thanks to expanding offerings at this year’s Tulsa Irish Fest. The festival will be held at Dream Keeper’s Park March 7 through March 9. 

“Tulsa Irish Fest is on the cusp of becoming huge,” said Millan Hupp, the Executive Director for the Irish Fest. “We are very encouraged by the momentum we feel in our marketing and partnerships this year and remain committed to our long-term vision of creating an Artist-In-Residence program and an Irish Cultural Center.”

Hupp said they began the residence program this year with Irish artist Sina Theil, who is staying with them the full week leading up to the festival.

Tulsa Irish Fest events include Pipes and Drums on the Main Stage, a VIP Whiskey Tasting and several other Irish themed events. 

“The festival is not so spread out this year so you’ll really get the full experience - vendors, blacksmiths, Irish wolfhounds, rugby, worship services on Sunday, kids activities, and of course the music - will all feel much more tied together,” said Hupp. “We have only added to the overall Irish Fest experience this year.” 

For people who love physical activity, RunnersWorld Tulsa will be hosting the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Run on March 15. The run will offer a 5k option or a 1 mile Fun Run. 

And the Irish American Club of Tulsa (IACT), Oklahoma’s only Irish American club, will be at all three events as well as having their own annual Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner and Show on Sunday, March 23. 

Verified News Network (VNN) Co-Founder Brittany Harlow serves on the board of the Irish American Club.

“The Irish American Club of Tulsa has been here for nearly 50 years,” Harlow said. “Being a part of the club has been a fun way to stay connected to my Irish roots, through dancing and music and learning more about our shared heritage. My children are Native American and Irish, and it’s just a great opportunity for them also to learn more about this side of their ancestry.” 

Tickets for the Irish American Club of Tulsa’s Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner and Show will go on sale this week. Sign up for IACT email updates to be the first to know when they are available.