It is time once again to get into the Irish spirit.

The North Platte Catholic Schools will be hosting the 39th Annual Irish Fest, Sunday February 23 at St. Patrick’s High School, 500 South Silber.

Originally called “Mardi Gras,” the event was first celebrated by the North Platte Catholic Schools on Tuesday, February 11, 1975.  In the early years, it was held on “Fat Tuesday” prior to the start of the Lenten season.  Later, it was changed to Sunday, which has become tradition ever since.

“For the past 39 years, Irish Fest has involved hundreds of volunteers,” according to North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust Executive Director Wendy Dodson. “Proceeds have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to the operation budget of the North Platte Catholic School system,” Dodson added.

This year’s event features a homemade chicken and noodles dinner served from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  It will feature mini carnival games and prizes, Fun Jumpz, a silent auction, bake sale and raffle.

This year’s raffle offers a 55″ Smart HDTV, a Windows tablet, $1,000 cash, an iPad Mini and more.

Raffle tickets are on sale now for $2.00 each, and can be purchased from any McDaid or St. Patrick’s student, at the North Platte Catholic School Endowment (601 South Tabor, or at the McDaid or St. Patrick’s schools.  Raffle tickets will also be sold at the event, with the drawing taking place at 2:50 p.m. on the 23rd.  You do not have to be present to win.

Dodson says the event is open to the entire community, and promises a day full of family fun.