Irish Summerfest 2006
June 29 to July 2

Irish eyes will be smiling and Celtic souls soaring this June 29 to July 2, as the 13th Annual Irish Summerfest moves to a new venue, Classic Park in Eastlake, the home of the Lake County Captains. The premiere Eastside area festival of Irish and Celtic heritage, the Irish Summerfest will feature four fun-filled days of Irish music, dance, sports, children's activities, products and food.

Irish Summerfest is organized by Our Heritage, Our Home, a Lake County non profit corporation which promotes authentic Irish cultural activities and events.

"And now we have room to grow for many years at our Summerfest's new home," he said. "Classic Park offers a large area for vendors, protection from the weather, disabled parking areas close to the festival's entrances and modern restroom facilities among its many amenities." The festival will also continue to offer free parking.

From Irish folk to Irish tenor, from ancient jigs and reels to "arse kickin' Celtic rock," Irish Summerfest will treat Northeast Ohio to the talents of more than eighteen bands and solo artists from Ireland, Canada and points across the U.S., as well as local favorites.

Two international bands are new to the festival this year, Fiddlers 3, an award-winning fiddle band from Ontario, Canada, with their version of Celtic music which blends the sounds of Ireland, Scotland, the East Coast, French Canadian and Old Time music, and the Swallows Tail Ceili Band from County Mayo in Ireland. Ceili was created to accompany set dance, putting a uniquely Irish spin on the French quadrilles brought to Ireland by British soldiers in the 19th century.

One of the fastest rising Celtic acts in the United States, the Elders, will headline the main stage. The Elders appear frequently in their home town, Kansas City, and tour nationally and internationally during festival season.

More than one hundred dancers will grace the four stages, including dancers from Murphy Irish Arts, Legnihan Academy of Dance, and The Tessie Burke School of Dance.

The award-winning East Side Irish American Club Pipes & Drums will also perform daily.

Also new this year is a chance for dart enthusiasts and novices alike to explore the game that's synonymous with Irish pub life. World-ranked professional dart player Wade Wilcox will share his passion for the sport, and his knowledge of its history and place in Irish culture. The seminar, along with a pub dart demonstration and four days of tournament play, will be presented by the Lake Erie Dart Association. Players from throughout Ohio and Canada will participate.

Between performances, festival goers can find the perfect gift among the offerings of thirty plus vendors of Irish products and sample traditional Irish and American foods.

Our Heritage, Our Home was incorporated in January, 1994 and presented its first Irish Summerfest the same year. Its founders recognized the need to preserve Irish music, dance and traditions for a local Irish ethnic population who are now mostly first, second and third generation Irish Americans.

Their goal was to give Irish and non-Irish alike an authentic Celtic experience. Proceeds from the Irish Summerfest are used to underwrite its scholarship program which has awarded eighteen college scholarships to local students.

Irish or not, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Irish Summerfest. "We hope to see many new faces this year. We want a chance to show everyone a great time" said Pat Coyne.

"Our motto is 'At the Irish Summerfest there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met."

For more information or advance ticket to the Irish Summerfest ($6 in advance - $9 at the gate for adults; children under 12 free), visit www.irishsummerfest.org or call 216-289-0395.

By Andrea McGovern - Fifty Something Magazine