HEPPNER — From the top of the mornin’ and into the night, the Heppner Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Wee Bit o’ Ireland March 14-17 in and around downtown Heppner.

In her first year as executive director, Madison Rosenbalm recognizes the importance of the town’s heritage. She was born and raised in Heppner.

“We still have lots of Irish families here,” Rosenbalm said. “It’s nice to remember our roots.”

Heppner Daycare will kick things off with St. Pat’s Trivia Night on Thursday, 6 p.m. at the Gilliam & Bisbee Event Center. A potato bar dinner is $5. Teams of up to six people can register for $150 via bit.ly/4c2Atzh. For questions, email heppnerdaycareinc@gmail.com.

The St. Paddy’s Vendor Market is Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the chamber office and Heppner City Hall. It continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, the Morrow County Heritage & Agricultural Museum is open Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibits highlight the region’s history, including the devastating June 1903 flood that destroyed much of Heppner and left nearly 250 people dead in its wake.

Friday night features Murray’s Irish Fest from 7-11 p.m. at the Gilliam & Bisbee Event Center. There’s a $5 cover charge. Also, beer, wine and dinner can be purchased. Musically Unstable will provide entertainment.

Saturday: food, fun, fundraisersFood offerings will be plentiful with the Saturday O’Brunch, 8-11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Senior Center, four local food trucks and the Elks Irish Buffet Dinner at 5 p.m. Also, Rosenbalm said local restaurants will be open.

Area organizations have prepared for the influx of people during Wee Bit o’ Ireland.

“There are lots of small fundraisers with different groups throughout the day on Main Street,” Rosenbalm said.

Engage in zany activities, including the O’Planky Team Relay and the Welly Toss, which features hucking a boot as far as you can. Advance registration is not required.

“You can show up and participate,” Rosenbalm said. “It’s all free.”

With a little luck of the Irish, find specially painted rocks in downtown to win prizes during the Golden Nugget Treasure Hunt. Also, the Cruz-In Car Show revs up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Great Green Parade gets rolling at 1 p.m. with the Currin family serving as grand marshals.

Wee bit o’ music

Tune in Saturday afternoon with Ceili, a traditional Irish social gathering at the Elks Lodge, with music by Whisky for Breakfast. Also, the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers will play toe-tappin’ music at the senior center.

Tiller’s Folly returns to Heppner for a performance at the Gilliam & Bisbee Event Center. Known for their storytelling, Celtic sounds and high-energy performances, the group plays lively tunes, sad love songs and whimsical sea shanties. Audience members often tap their toes, clap their hands and sing along.

The Sunday O’Brunch, served free by South Morrow County Seniors Matter, runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the senior center. The event finale is Sunday, March 17 with Irish Road Bowling ($20/team) at 1 p.m. on Balm Fork Road.

Featuring the artwork of eighth grader Naomi Propheter, the event’s commemorative button is $3. Money raised supports the yearly festival.

For more information, including links to the schedule and registration forms, visit bit.ly/49PFsld. For questions, contact 541-676-5536 or heppnerchamber@gmail.com.

Irish-themed fun

Wee Bit o’ Ireland is March 14-17, including free Irish-themed activities and music on Saturday, March 16.

10 a.m.: Lil’ Leprechaun Shenanigans

10-11:30 a.m.: Irish Coffee Hour

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Welly Toss

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Golden Nugget Treasure Hunt

11 a.m.: Leprechaun Run

11:15 a.m.: Team Bed Race

11:30 a.m.: O’Planky Team Relay

1 p.m.: The Great Green Parade

2-4 p.m. Ceili with Whisky for Breakfast

2:30-6:30 p.m.: Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers

7:30-10 p.m.: Tiller’s Folly