The 17th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest, set for Saturday, September 19, will honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
Festival organizers are expecting the attendance of the Irish Consul General in New York Gerald Angley and at one point the Fest will pause to remember Michael O'Hanlon. a Hudson Valley Irish Fest and AOH Fighting 69th Regiment Division 18 Peekskill member, all-Ireland accordion champion and FDNY firefighter who passed away due to a 9/11-related illness.
O'Hanlon died in 2017 from 9/11-related cancer. He had worked at the World Trade Center site after the terror attack.
"We will also be honoring all First Responders who died on 9/11/01 and all those living with illness and deceased from illness and injuries related to the World Trade Center tragedy in Lower Manhattan," said a release from Fest organizers.
The Fest runs, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, steps from the Peekskill Metro-North station.
Said the release: "The day will open at Noon with a Civic Opening ceremony on the main stage, expected to include participation from the Irish Consulate General and several elected legislators.
"Founded in 2009, Hudson Valley Irish Fest grew out of a community vision for a riverfront festival that could give rise to a lasting cultural organization.
"Today, with support from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Programme, the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and an all-volunteer base of residents and business owners across the City of Peekskill, the Town of Cortlandt, and surrounding towns in Westchester and Putnam Counties, the Festival has grown into one of the region's signature celebrations of Irish heritage — funding the Hudson Valley Irish Center and Library at Assumption Church in Peekskill.
"This year's Festival carries particular significance, marking both the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
"In the aftermath of 9/11, Peekskill and Cortlandt's Irish community played a central role in designing and building Peekskill's WTC 9/11 Memorial, located adjacent to the Festival grounds."
Added the release: "The Festival's main stage lineup includes Shilelagh Law, Amadans, and Phineas & Lonely Leaves, with additional acts to be announced. Attendees can also expect Irish dancers, bagpipers, a spoken word tent, fine crafts, 18th-century toys and crafts, and a Hibernian Tent hosted by the Fighting 69th, Division 18 Hibernians. Food and beverages will be available throughout the grounds, including a beer garden.
"The Festival is easily reached via MTA Metro-North's Hudson Line, with the Peekskill train station immediately adjacent to Riverfront Green; free parking is also available on site."
Tickets and additional information are available at www.hvif.org.
