Leprechauns left a little surprise outside Oak Harbor businesses Thursday.
The fairies deposited potatoes topped with Irish flags outside doorsteps along Pioneer Way and other parts of town sometime in the wee hours of St. Patrick’s Day. They also stenciled shamrocks on the ground to bring a bit of extra luck.
The Whidbey News-Times was unable to confirm the identities of the mysterious, sneaky creatures. But Barb Jacobs, a local member of the Irish Wildlife Society, said leprechauns were behind the potato drops.
“We supervised them,” she said. “They can be trained.”
That said, the Irish fairies have had some trouble adjusting to the modern world, and need some human guidance.
“They are small and witty,” she said. “But they don’t dodge traffic very well.”
So the potato drop-off happened early in the morning before the bustle of school buses, delivery trucks and commuters caused a squashing hazard.
Leprechauns also don’t organize: They don’t have a union.
“But they all have their green cards,” she said.
Although leprechauns are known for being mischievous creatures, the starchy gift was meant to bring luck to businesses throughout the year. For those wondering where their sack of gold is, Jacobs explained “these are Irish leprechauns — there’s not a lot of money in Ireland.”
Plus, potatoes are easier to carry.
Despite its name, the Irish Wildlife Society is not a leprechaun conservation group. It was formed 43 years ago by the late Dorothy Neil — who was an Oak Harbor historian, Whidbey News-Times editor and longtime columnist — with now-retired journalist Helen Chatfield-Weeks.
The group organizes the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Oak Harbor annually. And also apparently wrangles leprechauns. They have 12 active members and others who have paid a $10 lifetime membership fee.
They are taking new members — the money goes toward the parade entry fee, and members get a lapel pin. Jacobs said to call her if you’re interested at 360-679-8531.
Even the members of the Irish Wildlife Society don’t always see the fairy magic happen. Leprechauns work quickly and stealthy.
It’s a sleight of hand, she said. Where they go the rest of the year — she doesn’t even know.
“They were here, and then they were gone.”
