Massed pipes and drums will be an integral part of this year’s tenth anniversary Hudson Valley Irish Fest
By Irish Echo Staff
Hudson Valley Irish Fest will mark its tenth anniversary Saturday, September 29.
And the gathering by the Hudson looks like it’s going to get the kind of weather that ten years deserve.
According to the weather forecast it will either be a fine early fall day, or a fine Irish summer’s day.
The Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green and will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.
There is a suggested $10 entry fee per person and kids are free.
Headline acts this year include Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, the Cunningham Brothers Band and the McLean Avenue Band. There will also be a performance by massed pipe bands.
The Jack McAndrew Memorial Traditional Tent will feature Irish recording artists Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll, local Irish step dancers and traditional Irish musicians. The tent honors the memory of Michael O’Hanlon, an FDNY 9/11 first responder, champion accordionist, AOH and HVIF member.
The spoken word tent will feature authors, historians, poets, storytellers and historical displays. Authors attending this year will include Jude Collins, author of “Martin McGuinness: The Man I Knew,” and Malachy McCourt.
According to a release, the community-based, not for profit cultural event was established in 2009 to celebrate the rich Irish-American heritage of the lower Hudson Valley.
The Fest features the work of outstanding artists and craftspeople from both Ireland and the Hudson Valley.
There also is an interactive children’s area featuring Old World toys, games, storytelling, crafts, and other activities. A wide variety of tempting food and refreshments from area restaurants and Irish products will be available.
“This annual fun family day of Irish Culture would not be possible without community support, Westchester County Hibernians, the Consulate General of Ireland in New York and an annual through the Emigrant Support Program of Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Department,” said Fest chairman Dan Dennehy.
The all-volunteer committee is composed of students earning community service time, local residents and the members of AOH and LAOH Division 18 Peekskill.
“For ten years now, this celebration of the best of Ireland and Irish America has been the official Irish kickoff to fall in the Hudson Valley,” said Dennehy.
The Fest’s riverfront setting is easily accessible from New York City by taking Metro North’s Hudson Line to Peekskill.
The Fest’s website, www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com, has full details and directions.
