Irish festival celebrates culture, music and art
You can learn all about the Irish and their culture at the Irish American Heritage Festival, held on the grounds of the Irish American Heritage Center this weekend. The event features more than 100 performers on five stages.
Other competitions include the Men in Kilts contest, the Irish Soda Bread contest, a freckle contest and the Sham-Rock Stars singing contest for kids. Irish wares and foods also will be for sale throughout the festival, and step dancers from several area schools will perform.
“It’s a complete Irish experience — food, music, drink, bands, Irish dance,” said John Gorski of St. Charles, president of the Irish American Heritage Center. “One of the things we do best at Irish Fest is to appeal to all age groups. We work very hard to make sure it’s not just an adult entertainment event but an experience for children and young adults as well, and that helps us keep the Irish tradition and IrishAmerican culture experience alive.”
Headlining acts on the main stage include The Killdares on Saturday and Enter the Haggis on Sunday.
What’s an Irish festival without some libations? For those needs, head to the Fine Spirits Tasting Tent, where you can taste whiskey, beer and mead. If it’s culture you crave, check out the Irish Tea Room, where adults can cool off while listening to traditional music and enjoying a proper cup of tea. There’s also language lessons and art and museum exhibits.
Additionally, families can enjoy activities like a performance by the Wiggle worms from the Old Town School of Folk Music or a demonstration by Great Lakes Wolf Hound Association.