St. George park hosts St. Patrick's Day event for all abilities

ST. GEORGE — Each time 7-year-old Adaline Whipple visits St. George with her family, she asks to go to Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. This weekend, the visit to the park was made extra special with a treasure hunt, face painting, a visit from a leprechaun, a ride on the "Rainbow Railroad," and of course, a magic show.

The St. George city park has five annual events that coincide with major holidays, and for the past few days, it has transformed into "Shamrock Junction" to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

"Shamrock Junction is the first event we have during the year, so it's kind of our kickoff," said Hannah Keller, supervisor over parks in St. George. "We have a magic show, which is kind of unique from our other events. We also have a leprechaun-naming contest. Families can decorate a pot and plant seeds to bring home and watch grow at home. We also give out some green popcorn and have face painting. Then there is the train ride that is the most popular thing."

The event started on Saturday and took place again on Monday. The event's final night is Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with tickets available online or at the park.

Keller said that the St. Patrick's Day event is unique because there aren't many community events that celebrate the holiday in St. George.

"Shamrock Junction is just special because usually you hear about Easter events throughout the city, but there's not really anything St. Patrick's Day that's for the kids," Keller said.

Adaline's mom, Sandra Whipple, said that making the special trip down from Provo is always worth it. When she heard the event was happening on a day her daughter had off from school, it made it all the more reason to join in the fun.

"We were here a month ago for Presidents Day weekend, and it was on our way out that I noticed a big banner, and so I looked into it and it seemed like a really awesome event," Sandra Whipple told KSL. "I love how this park is so wheelchair accessible that I was willing to pay money to come and do a special event that I assume raises money for the park for amenities."

Sandra Whipple uses a wheelchair, and she said that parks like Thunder Junction allow her to enjoy time with her family, adding that it's her family's "favorite park."

"My favorite thing about it is that I can get around everywhere," Sandra Whipple said. "It's easy for me to follow (Adaline) wherever she wants to go and I can see her from pretty much everywhere. The water is super nice. It's her favorite park. I don't think there's one St. George trip we go on, where we don't stop at this park."

Keller said that experiences like the Whipples' are why they have events like Shamrock Junction. She said she and her staff look forward to this event and others like it.

"All the staff of all abilities really look forward to having these events and being able to provide something different to the community," Keller said. "It's a family-friendly event where everyone of all abilities can come to the Thunder Junction Park to enjoy something and to celebrate St. Patrick's Day."

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