The Wexford town that claims John F Kennedy as one of its own is to host Ireland’s first official Fourth of July celebration.
New Ross, the ancestral homeland of the late US President, has announced a full and detailed programme of events to mark the annual American holiday.
The inaugural Irish America festival will celebrate the town’s links with the US and is designed to increase the number of tourists visiting the town.
Local tourism group chairwoman Bettie-Marie Burger-Smit said: “Our town is steeped in historic links with the US through both John F Kennedy and the Dunbrody famine ship.
“Our festival will celebrate those links and show the world we are proud of them.”
Full details on the Irish America festival in New Ross are available on the website www.irishamericaday.com.
The programme kicks-off with a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party aboard the Dunbrody famine ship.
There will be an Irish American Hall of Fame event in conjunction with Irish America Magazine,
Other highlights include a Caribbean Pirate Festival and Family Fun Day at Hook Lighthouse, a USA Themed Shopping Experience in New Ross Town Centre and a Prom King & Queen night.
Mark Twain readings will be held at New Ross Library while Irish American comedian Des Bishop will also perform in the Wexford town.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on July 4th.
Here's footage of JFK in New Ross:
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