The Hudson Valley Irish Fest will take place on Saturday, September 28
By Irish Echo Staff
The Hudson Valley Irish Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park on Saturday, September 28.
What will be the 11th annual gathering on the banks of the Hudson River will start at 11 a.m. and run to 7 p.m. rain or shine.
The donation is $10 per person with ages 12 and under admitted free.
The community-based, not for profit cultural event was established in 2009 to celebrate and promote the rich Irish-American heritage in the lower Hudson Valley, said a release.
Dan Dennehy, the Fest organization's founding chair, stated: “Our all-volunteer committee plan year-round for our Riverside celebration of Ireland and Irish America in the Hudson Valley. Over eleven years, the Fest, Irish Center and Library continue to provide high quality, affordable entertainment, educational and musical events.”
Musical headliners this year are the Screaming Orphans, the Cunningham Brothers Band, the McLean Avenue Band, and Tim Murphy & Seisun accompanied by the Fighting 69th Regiment’s Pipe Major Joe Brady and massed pipe bands.
The Jack McAndrew Memorial Traditional Tent features Irish recording artists Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll and many more renowned traditional Irish musicians.
The Clan na hÉireann School of Irish Dance tent will feature talented local Irish dancers.
The spoken word tent is hosted by Irish American Writers & Artists Salon host John Kearns with best-selling authors, historians, poets, storytellers, and historical displays.
Also, said the release, the Fest features the work of outstanding artists and craftspeople from both Ireland and the Hudson Valley.
“Our unique interactive Children's Area features ‘18th Century Toys and Games’ with storytelling, crafts, and other activities. A wide variety of tempting food and refreshments from area restaurants and Irish products will be available, said the release.
“The Fest would not be possible without community support particularly from the men, women and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians, the Consulate General of Ireland New York and an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Foreign Affairs Department," said Dan Dennehy.
Visitors are encouraged to take MTA Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Peekskill train station, immediately adjacent to the Riverfront Green. Feree parking in the vicinity is available.
The Fest’s website is www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com and Facebook page feature details and directions to the Fest, as well as pictures of past events.
For more information about the Hudson Valley Irish Fest, Center and Library, go to the website or Facebook page or contact Cathal McGreal, Fest Chairman, at (914) 804-0088 or cathalmcgreal@mac.com. No coolers or pets permitted on the Fest grounds. Advance tickets onside at www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com/tickets.
