Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival: 28 years of music, dancing, Irish fare and more
Whether you're a full-blooded Irishman or you just think your cousin's friend's uncle's brother might have a cat named O'Malley who likes to eat corned beef , the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival is a great place to bring your family to this summer. From Irish dancers to folk music and traditional Irish crafts, The Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival has something for both the Irish and the Irish at heart.
2010 marks the 28th anniversary of the popular Irish festival, which is held annually in late July at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. The yearly celebration is made possible by a group of more than 300 volunteers who wish to preserve Irish tradition, according to the festival's website. The non-profit event's proceeds go to help a variety of charities.
This year's festival takes place from July 23 through the 25, with a Catholic mass and closing ceremony taking place in the morning on Monday July 26th. Each day brings with it entertainment in the form of a variety of workshops, live musical performances, an Irish coffee house, live plays, interesting and informational exhibits, crafts, fantastic Irish food and an Irish dog show. A children's fun area and petting zoo will also be on-site to ensure that your little ones always have something special to do while at the festival.
This year's performers include acts like the Irish Sopranos, John McDermott, Scythian, Brigid's Cross, The Screaming Orphans, Seven Nations, Tommy Fleming, Cherish the Ladies, Mossy Moran, Homeland, Susan McCann, Patrick O'Sullivan and Michael Crawley. For a complete list of this year's performers and their bios, click here.
Irish dancing from the talented folks at The Masterson School of Irish Dance, the Tessie Burke School of Irish Dance and The Leneghan Academy of Irish Dance will also perform daily. "Lord of the Dance" star Pat Campbell will also perform.
In addition, several pipe bands and other entertainers will be on hand. Don't miss Irish poet Johnny McEvoy or the comedians from The Frankie Kong Players-- both will be performing at this year's festival.
If Irish food is what you're really looking forward to, the festival certainly will not disappoint you. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Irish fare or classic American goodies, the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival will have it all. Ahern Catering and Sullivan's Irish Pub will be on hand to serve up your favorite Irish cuisine: Corned beef sandwiches, boxty and sausage, corned beef platters, Irish sausage rolls, bridies, meat pies, bangers, fish and chips, roast lamb and pork kabobs. The Irish Coffee House will serve Irish sweets and treats like cherry cake, brown bread, scones and soda bread alongside Irish Cream and Irish tea.
Pizza, funnel cakes, Italian sausage hoagies, barbecued pork sandwiches, hot dogs, ribs and hand-cut fries will also be available. Alcoholic beverages will also be served at the festival.
Admission to this year's festival is $10 for adults, and kids under 10 are free. Bring cash with you, as checks and credit cards are not accepted.
HelloCleveland Tip: For more information on the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival, visit their website by clicking here.
Posted by LeeAnn Mullen
