Raise your glass and tip your hat to the 11,000 lads and lasses who will gather at the Maryland Irish Festival this weekend to celebrate Irish heritage.
The 32nd annual Maryland Irish Festival kicks off Friday with a little something for everyone, including Irish step dancing lessons, weaving demonstrations, traditional Irish food and authentic Celtic music.
All proceeds from the festival will benefit Irish Charities of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that donates money to local, regional and national organizations in addition to assistance in Ireland.
Michael Riley, the sponsored chairman of the board of directors for the festival, has been involved in the Irish Festival for the past 22 years, ever since his wife’s family asked him to join the Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.
“With this crowd, it’s a good time for family reunions. A lot of people come and set up camp and stay the entire day. My family comes for the whole weekend,” Riley said. “It’s big, it’s festive, it’s a lot of fun. It’s the perfect setting for a party atmosphere.”
One of the biggest draws for visitors is the quality of the live entertainment.
“We are fortunate to have some of the richest Irish entertainment in the country here on the East Coast; our local bar bands are highly regarded in other parts of the country and sought after for events,” Riley said. “We now have bands that come from all over the country as well as from Ireland.”
But it’s not just about entertainment. “It’s a celebration of everything Irish,” said John McCall, the chairman of Irish Charities of Maryland. “People coming together to learn more about Irish culture.”
Even if you aren’t of Irish descent, Riley encourages everyone to come in and have a beer.
“Everyone’s always in a good mood and very friendly. Last year we were a little late in opening the doors, because some of our ticket takers were running late, and a guy who was just there to have a good time jumped in and helped out for about two hours,” he said.
“That’s the kind of people that are here.”
IF YOU GO
32nd annual Maryland Irish Festival
Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $5 to $10
nfo: irishfestival.com
