The Big Event: Irish Fest in Kalamazoo

You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate Irish Fest.

The annual festival dedicated to celebration of all things Irish gets under way at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. It continues at 10:30 am. Saturday, Sept. 24, and runs till midnight at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Admission is $8 or $4 for those with a valid student identification.

Organizers say they're happy to welcome some of the finest Irish and Celtic bands this side of the Atlantic to this year’s event. Traditional pub songs, lively jigs and reels, songs of emigration and the Old Country as well as contemporary songs from today's composers are all part of the entertainment. Check here for a lineup.

Performances will include dancers from both the Quinn School of Irish Dance and the Irish Dance Company of Lansing.

And it wouldn’t be an Irish Fest be without bagpipers. Back by popular demand will be local favorite, the Kalamazoo Pipe Band.

For those eager to try Irish food there will be fare from Gallagher's Eatery & Pub, O'Duffy's Pub, Bennigan's and more.

Authentic Irish jewelry, woolens, apparel, music, crafts and gifts also will be featured.

"Irish Fest has a very intimate appeal," says Vicky Kettner of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. "It’s one of those gatherings where it seems that everyone knows everyone. The festival has done a great job in promoting ethnic pride in a way that makes everyone feel Irish for a day. As for the offerings… who doesn’t like a good cold glass of Guinness on a summer’s-end evening?"

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Soucre: Irish Fest