On Saturday, September 21, 2013, from 11am to 7pm on the majestic banks of the Hudson River at Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park, the Fourth Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest will celebrate the positive values of the rich Irish American culture and heritage alive in the Hudson Valley today.
Previous events were a tremendous success and enjoyed by over 6000 people. This year we have great bands, more vendors and fun for the whole family!
Performances by several top Irish recording artists and bands. Our area’s finest Irish step-dancers and massed pipe bands will again entertain people of all ages. Our excellent vendors and exhibitors will provide culinary specialties, Irish literature, media and cultural crafts for all to experience and enjoy. Our children’s area boasts pony rides, face painting, crafts and more for the wee lads and lasses.
Two years ago, our primary goal was realized with the opening of the Hudson Valley Irish Center at the Red School House in Verplanck. Our home helps us to preserve the Irish American culture, music, theatre, history and heritage that abound in the lower Hudson Valley. Proceeds from the Hudson Valley Irish Fest, a not for profit charitable organization, support the Hudson Valley Irish Center as well as establishment of Irish heritage, literary and media sections in our local libraries.
Last year we introducted the “Jack McAndrew Memorial Cultural Tent” with a stellar assembly of the best Traditional Irish Musicians, Singers and Storytellers from the Lower Hudson Valley & beyond. The Kelly Oster School of Irish Dance will entertain visitors with their terrific talent.
The Jack McAndrew Memorial Cultural Tent will also feature fine artists and historical displays. Jack McAndrew, lifelong advocate for all things Irish and an AOH Division 18 member, passed away in 2012. For decades, Jack kept Irish traditional music alive in the Lower Hudson Valley with the legendary Rising of the Moon Seisuin at Jimmy Guinan’s in Garrison, PJ Kelly’s in Peekskill and other venues including its current home in the Stadium Bar & Restaurant. Recently, folk hero Pete Seeger visited a Rising seisuin in the hope of encouraging others to support Jack’s labor of love. It is our hope that the Jack McAndrew Memorial Cultural Tent is inspire future participants and continue Jack’s labor of love, the promotion of Irish music and culture in the Lower Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley Irish Fest Inc. is cosponsored by the Division 18, Peekskill Ancient Order of Hibernians & Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and is a member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
