St. Pats 2008 Proves Successful, Despite Bad Weather
 There was much excitement, anticipation and, of course, green in Columbia to commemorate the 26th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points festival, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of the luck o’ the Irish. This year’s event, on Saturday, March 15, 2008, was however lacking in Irish luck, as it was shut down early due to inclement weather.
The great news is, despite the poor weather conditions, enough revenue was generated by the festival to make large donations to local non-profit organizations, and to announce successes in the festival’s inaugural recycling program.
“This financial contribution speaks volumes, considering the committee had to end the festival early due to bad weather” says Anne Sinclair, District 3 City Councilwoman. “This gesture serves to remind the community that the festival is about supporting others as well as the Five Points community.”
The St. Pat’s in Five Points Committee and the Five Points Association Board of Directors teamed to award $40,000 to 23 non-profit organizations in the Columbia community. This donation ceremony took place at the Five Points Fountain on May 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., and the organizations that received a portion of the pot of gold include Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, Irish Children’s Charity, MLK, Dreher High School, Vietnam Vets, Harvest Hope and Sierra Club, AC Moore Elementary School, USC Upward Bound, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Columbus East Columbia, Knights of Columbus Irmo, White Knoll Band Boosters, USC HIV/AIDS, Alston Wilks Society, American Red Cross, Camp Kemo, Celebrate Freedom, Hispanic Outreach, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, MIEG, COR and SisterCare.
The newly implemented recycling effort, made possible by Anheuser-Bush Recycling Corporation, was successful in keeping 2,920 pounds (1.5 tons) of waste from reaching the Richland County Landfill. Jane Hiller of Sonoco Recycling announced that 1,760 pounds of cardboard and 1,160 pounds of bottles and cans were recycled.
Plans for the March 14, 2009 St. Pat’s in Five Points celebration are already under way. Check back often for updates on the 27th annual festival!
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