After a year off, a rejuvenated Irish Heritage festival is back and with a new venue. The festival which is planned for this Sunday, October 13th, is set to be the biggest celebration of Irish heritage the city of Boston has seen yet.
Last year, the festival was cancelled due to logistical issues, and this year, there was a fear that once again festivities may not resume as the normal location at Adams Village in the predominately Irish neighborhood of Dorchester is currently under-construction. Organizers of the event were determined that the show must go on and John O’Toole, co-chair of the event explained ‘we took a shot with Florian Hall and the McKeon Post and it was the luck of the Irish that they weren’t booked,” and so it is that the annual Irish Heritage Festival will take place this Sunday, October 13th at the Florian Hall and McKeon Post on Hallet street, Dorchester.
This week the organizers have been busy putting together the final touches on what will be a great family day out. Popular Irish bands Devri, Tin Cat Hooley and favorite U2 tribute act the Joshua Tree have all confirmed their appearance and in total there will be three stages to entertain the festival goers throughout the day. Amongst the list of talented Irish groups lined up to appear on the day are the Boston Fire Department Pipe Band, Clifton School of Dancing and the O'Shea-Chapin School of Dancing.
Well know Irish musician Larry Reynolds who passed away last October will be honored by the organizers of the Irish Heritage festival who will presenting one of the participating artists with the inaugural Larry Reynolds Spirit Award.
Also on the day, there will be food & beverages stands, children’s activities including inflatable rock wall, bull ride and slides and for those hoping to learn more about their Irish heritage, advisers from the heritage organization TIARA will be hosting free clinics to help trace visitors trace their Irish ancestry. An open invitation is extended to one and all to attend with O’Toole commenting, “We’re just trying to highlight the positive aspects of our community, it’s an Irish heritage festival, but it’s for everyone.”
Festivities starts at 11am and a full list of the entertainment schedule can be found at www.irishheritagefestival.com.
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