Exciting Events: ShamROCK the Rose

ShamROCK the Rose Connecting Irish Culture, Patriotism, and Community by Devin Williams

On March 14, the Rose District, the historic cultural hub in Broken Arrow, will be transformed. Green beer, men and women in kilts, and the joyful harmonics of bagpipes will join with the irresistible smell of Irish cuisine that perfuming the air. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the spirit of Saint Patrick will descend from the misty hills of Ireland and make its home in the streets, hearts, and souls of a projected 15,000 people. ShamROCK the Rose has grown exponentially in the past seven years from its original attendance of 1,500. This year will be the sixth ShamROCK and will be the biggest and best yet. One of the event organizers, Debra Wimpee, said that vision, passion, and purpose has turned an idea into one of the must-attend events in Broken Arrow. An active member of the community, Wimpee created the website babuzz.com which helps connect business and charities to the Broken Arrow community. In addition to ShamROCK the Rose, she also has organized the Red, White, and Brew and Cinco De La Rosa events.

“I know what my purpose is,” Wimpee said. “It is to be a light that connects people.”

Seven years ago, there was no large scale St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Broken Arrow. Wimpee decided to combine her expertise in creating and organizing community events with her passion for Irish culture and her dedication to serving the men, women, and families of our armed forces. She, along with her many sponsors, volunteers, and supporters have constructed an event with live music from artists like Corey Lee, Paul Holt Band, and “Dressed to Kill”, a full production KISS tribute band. There will also be a beer garden in the farmer’s pavilion featuring over 15 local craft breweries. “Early Bird” tickets are only $25 dollars. They include a tasting glass, and you can indulge until your is heart’s content for the entire span of the event. The shenanigans continue with a cornhole tournament, items handcrafted from local artisans, original artworks, food trucks, and a kids zone, among other attractions. Don't forget to pick some swag for yourself, friends, and family from the many stores and merchants in the district who will be at maximum St. Patrick's Day spirit for ShamROCK.

“ShamROCK the Rose is so much more than a “street party.” We are serving the bravest people in our county: our active-duty military, veterans, and their families.” Wimpee said,adding that her father is a veteran of the Vietnam War and her sister is a Chief in the Navy,

The event will partner with Soldier’s Wish, a nonprofit organization, that Wimpee said “Identifies the unmet needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, providing resources directly.” She said this is done through “private donations and corporate sponsorships.” Currently, profits from ShamROCK the Rose have raised over $70,000 in donations for Soldier’s Wish in addition to all of the wishes they grant at the event. Wimpee recounted one granted wish that is special to her.

“There was a veteran who was wounded in combat, and she had to travel to another state to receive speech therapy. It was a great cost to her with transportation, flight, food, and a hotel. ShamROCK the Rose, in coordination with Soldier’s Wish, paid for all those expenses to insure she received the care she needed without having to suffer the financial burden” she said.

For ShamROCK the Rose ticket information visit: www.visitbrokenarrowok.com.

If you would like to help support Soldier’s Wish please visit: www.soldierswish.org