The 8-year-old Haley Richardson, who is from Vineland, will be accompanied by her two brothers as the Towheads.
“Celtic Fest has grown to be one of our most popular and anticipated events,” said Historic Cold Spring Village Executive Director Anne Salvatore. “The festival offers a mix of music, dancing and other traditional demonstrations that fit in perfectly with the Village, a 19th century open-air living history museum, as the backdrop.”
The festival, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will include over three staging areas of live musical entertainment and interactive demonstrations, food and craft vendors and a pub area with all-day live music.
General admission for the event at 702 Route 9, north of Cape May, is $6, or guests can purchase a special two-day admission pass for $10.
Saturday performances include Haley Richardson and the Towheads as well as Denogla School of Irish Dance. Sunday’s highlights include traditional music by Charlie Zahm throughout the day at the Marshallville Schoolhouse and Robert Mouland will present “Legacy of the Irish Harp” demonstrations. Several favorites will entertain both days of the event, including Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums (which is comprised of members from the popular Atlantic City Sandpipers Band), Scottish dance workshops, Grace O’Malley: Ireland’s Pirate Queen; and the Irish Balladeer Peter McDonald providing lively music at the pub tent throughout the festival. In addition, a Scottish soap-maker will provide demonstrations on this unique method from the Highlands; and New Jersey Irish Setter Rescue will bring their gorgeous canines to interact with the public.
The event is held on grounds only and the main buildings are closed; however, guests can catch special demonstrations from the Village Blacksmith in the J. Finley Blacksmith Shop. The Welcome Center, Country Store, Ice Cream Parlor and Bakery will also be open, as will the Old Grange Restaurant, now open under new management.
Weekend special events will run until mid-September. Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday from June 22 to Sept. 4. Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit Early American open-air living history museum located at 720 Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and four miles south of Rio Grande, exit 4A from the Garden State Parkway. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Admission during the season is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and over) and $6 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are admitted free. For more information on employment, events, membership or volunteering, please call (609) 898-2300, ext. 10 or visit www.hcsv.org .
