The Hudson Valley Irish Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park on Saturday, September 29, 2018. The Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.
For entry, the suggested donation is $10 per person, ages 12 and under get in for free. No coolers or non-service animals permitted. Advance tickets online at hudsonvalleyirishfest.com/tickets
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. Dan Dennehy, the organization's founding chair, states, “Our all voluntary committee have planned year-round for our 10th Anniversary celebration of Ireland and Irish America in the Hudson Valley. Over 10 years, our Fest and Center continue to provide high quality, affordable entertainment, educational and musical events.”
Headliners on the main stage are Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Cunningham Brothers Band, the McLean Avenue Band, and Tim Murphy & Seisun accompanied by the Fighting 69th Regiment’s PipeMajor Joe Brady and a breathtaking 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 Kelly -Oster School of Irish Dance Tent features talented local Irish dancers. The spoken word tent features best-selling authors including Belfast journalist Jude Collins and humorist/actor Malachy McCourt, historians, poets, storytellers, and historical displays.
Also, 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 & Games’ with 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 particularly from the men, women, and families of our Westchester County Hibernians, the Consulate General of Ireland NY and an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Foreign Affairs Department," says Dennehy.
Visitors are encouraged to take MTA Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Peekskill train station, immediately adjacent to the beautiful Riverfront Green, and a beautiful 1-hour ride along the Hudson River from GCT. Ample free parking is available.
The Fest’s website, hudsonvalleyirishfest.com, features details and directions to the Fest, as well as many pictures of past events. For more information, please contact Spanky MacLennan, 2018 Hudson Valley Irish Fest Chairman, at (914) 755-9882 or railfire@gmail.com
