The dramatically cooler temperatures couldn’t keep away the crowd at Saturday’s 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Rush Center.

Organizers estimated it was a slightly smaller gathering than the usual 2,000 or so visitors to the tiny Rush County community.

Committee member Nancy Meitl thought the overcast day helped drive more people inside to the Community Center where they enjoyed her homemade Irish Stew.

“Traditionally, the recipe calls for lamb, with potatoes and other vegetables.  Here in Kansas, we figure we better go with beef,” she laughed.

And, as typical in Kansas, the wind was blowing.  It wasn’t enough to change any scheduled events but many people wearing green had to cover it up with a jacket.

The afternoon parade, which goes right down Highway 183, featured many of the vehicles from the morning antique tractor and classic car show, a band, the Shriners zipping around on their tiny motorcycles, several politicians, including U-S Senator Jerry Moran, and a float with all 50 state flags.

Other events included bed races, a craft show, cake walk, games for the kids and live entertainment.