Vendors add to international appeal of Worlds

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It wasn’t just the dancers who had come from far afield at the World Irish Dancing Championships this week – vendors from all over the U.S. and beyond came to Philadelphia to sell every kind of paraphernilia connected with Irish dancing.

Cathy Brimhill, who was selling wigs and various other accessories at the ‘Emerald Key’ stall in the Marriott Hotel, traveled from Portland, Oregon, for the event. She’s a seasoned Feis veteran at this stage, attending competition regularly both for the company she works for, and to accompany her daughter. Brimhill's work involves extensive travel – “I’ve seen so many hotels at this point,” she said.

Still, she enjoys the Irish dancing competitions. “It’s still a privilege to be here. I never get tired of it.” Occasionally, however, long periods of time away from home can take a bit of a toll. “I guess I do get a little homesick from time to time.” Her next Feis is in San Francisco.

Brimhill’s co-worker, Julia Milligan, was also a well-traveled Feis vendor, and a Feis mother. “Last July 4th, I drove a truck with five kids from California to Nashville,” she said. She plans on doing the same this summer.

A few stalls down from Emerald Key, 16-year-old Alex Bruno was manning the stall for Irishwigs.com – “Best Quality, Lowest Prices”, a company that operates out of Phoenix Arizona. “Ka-bangz” were going for $18; wigs for around $20. Bruno knew her products well – as an Irish dancer herself, she knows how important it is for Irish dancers to have their outfits as perfect as can be.

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Nster.com