Remember to Bring Your Lawnchairs!
The Irish Festival is located in Greeley Nebraska
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Post Event article as it appeared in the Greeley Citizen Sep 27, 2007
Irish Festival Draws large Crowd
A typical
Nebraska Football Saturday this time of year usually brings the red out.
But in
There was music, dancing, bagpipes, etc., but more importantly, there was listening, learning and most of all, visiting. Lots of families doing lots of visiting. The audience ranged from infants to 100 year old special resident Teresa Hogan.
When the original concept of a festival was in its infancy it was hoped that the number might reach 300-500 this first year. But on this day, with around 1,000 people that bought tickets to the event and the children, handicapped and elderly that were admitted free, volunteers, vendors, etc. the total soared to an estimated 1,500.
The
There was a beer garden that continually stayed busy, but the event also sold over 1,000 bottlers of pop and water. People mingled about or sat in their lawn chairs soaking up the summer like temperatures and all the Irish music that was belted out by several Irish musicians.
Irish stew, potatoes and numerous barbecued foods were sampled by hundreds. A sound system under the supervision of Joel Glaser of Spalding provided what has been termed by not only the listeners, but performers too, as “perfect sound levels”.
The stage was a professional 20’ X 32’ platform with a raised top and a parcan lighting system. Activity and performance lasted from 1 P.M. to after midnight.
Many
attended the events being held in the culture section, conducted in the
Sacred Heart gym. There were
bagpipe shows and demonstrations, Irish dance lessons, and an Irish
history of
The dance lessons were provided by the Brennan Irish Dancers and were offered in multiple sections, attracting 10-20 learners with each section while an average 50 or more people watched the learning activity of each section.
Vendors reported that sales activity at their booths were beyond their expectations.
The committee that was in charge of the event included Doug Wrede, Mike McQuillan and Dennis Cannon. McQuillan was quick to comment, “This event would not have been as successful as it was if it hadn’t been for the many volunteers who stepped up and made it happen.”
The second annual festival is scheduled for September 20, 2008. If you would like to post a comment or send photos that you might have of this years event you are asked to do so at the website at www.greeleyirishfestival.com/ or you can email to irishfestival@ centercabnle.tv.
News Article from Greeley Citizen:
Interest For
Like fuel being added to a glowing ember, the Greeley Irish Festival plans have ignited interest across Nebraska and the region.
The idea of an Irish Festival with music, food, etc. is no new concept. These types of events are held annually in many cities, but what is catching the attention of the “Irish” enthusiasts, is the fact that the celebration is going to take place in what is considered to be the “Most Irish” town in the United States. Of course, this information is based on the U.S. Census reports of 1990 & 2000 that show the town of Greeley as having more Irish ancestral inhabitants than any other town in America over 500.
The steering committee that is responsible for organizing the first ever Greeley event has included Dennis Cannon, Mike McQuillan and Doug Wrede. They have been completing music contracts with the groups of entertainers, etc., that have committed or any several cases, asked to be a part of the Saturday, Sept. 22nd event.
The day, now termed, “
The Master of Ceremonies for
the day will be Sean McRactagan. McRactagan is a widely recognized Irish
performer. He emigrated from Ireland to this country where he served as
a US Marine Master ReCon Gunnery Sargeant and eventually received a Masters Degree in Irish Language
and History. Not only will he be providing the m.c. work, storytelling
and humor, but he will also be in charge of a mini-cultural
The entertainment list is expanding and now includes talented Irish performer Peter Yeates of Portland, Oregon, The Turfmen, Wild Clover Band and Tony Comeau of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Discussions are also underway with Irish dancing groups.
Tickets will become available later this week with a $15 pre-labor day discount ticket available. After Labor Day the ticket price will go to $20. Children under 12 will be admitted free with an adult. This was done in an effort to expose the Irish heritage and tradition, expected to be prevalent at the event, for the kids that would be interested in attending the event with their parents, etc. Businesses interested in being a ticket outlet are asked to contact Patty Harris at 308-428-5595.
Committee members stated that there is a need for lots of local volunteers. If you would be interested in helping you are asked to contact Mickey Smyth, Volunteer Coordinator. Additionally, vendors that offer Irish specific items are being asked to contact Mike McQuillan at 308-428-3925 to get a booth at the event.
