To our Hudson Valley Irish Fest Friends, Supporters, Vendors and wonderful Community,
On behalf of our all-volunteer Board & Committee, we hope this message finds you well.
We wanted to reach out with some unfortunate news regarding tomorrow’s Hudson Valley Irish Fest at Peekskill Riverfront Green.
Due to the forecast of what is now known as Tropical Storm Ophelia, a potentially dangerous storm, particularly tomorrow Saturday, September 23, 2023, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the event.
The safety and well-being of our visitors, artists, vendors, volunteers, and supporters is our top priority, and ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved is crucial.
The potential impact of the inclement weather on the festival’s ability to provide a safe, fun, and high-quality experience for our community forced us to make this difficult decision.
While we understand this may be disappointing, we are committed to making a rescheduled festival even more remarkable and memorable.
We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We value your partnership and look forward to working together to create an incredible celebration of Hudson Valley and Irish American heritage in the near future.
We want to thank the following local establishments for their support: 140 Grand in Croton on Hudson, The Central Bistro at Peekskill Train Station and on N.Division St in Downtown Peekskill, the new location of Gleason’s, and Peekskill’s newest Irish pub, Slainte.
If you’re in the neighborhood tomorrow between Noon and tomorrow night anyway: stop into Gleason’s from 12 to 3 and Slainte from 3:30 on for a Peekskill Cead Mile Failte at our sponsor’s establishments. Great music, dancers and speakers from the Fest!
Safety First!
Hudson Valley Irish Fest Inc
Cathal McGreal -Chair
Dan Dennehy – Hudson Valley Irish Fest & Center – Founding Chair
Kickoff your Fall with a fun family day of Irish Culture on the Hudson!
The 15th Anniversary Hudson Valley Irish Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine. The suggested donation is $10 per person, Ages 12 and under, Free. No coolers, glass bottles, or pets are permitted. Folding lawn chairs are welcome. Advance tickets at www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com/tickets
This is an all-volunteer, community-based, and not-for-profit cultural event; the Fest was established in 2009 to celebrate the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley. Dan Dennehy, founding chair, states, “Year-round planning goes into our Hudson riverside celebration of Irish and Irish American culture in Peekskill. The Fest, Irish Center, and Library provide high quality, affordable entertainment, educational and musical events for everyone.”
On the breathtaking backdropped main stage will see the return of some surprise guests including Direct from Millstreet, County Cork, and the sensational Darren Kiely. Our 15th Anniversary will see the return of HVIF legends Shilelegh Law, as well as T. McCann Band, and a very special 22st Anniversary 9/11 Commemoration to Honor our dearly missed Bard of the Hudson, Tim Murphy and HVIF Founding officer Scott Mettey. Tim and Scott’s friends will be accompanied by Joe Brady, longtime Fighting 69th Regimental Pipe Major, and our Massed Pipe Bands in a rendition of Tim’s song, Firefighter’s Creed. For their 1st appearance on our stage, Peekskill favorites Phineas and the Lonely Leaves! (This Is Not A Complete Lineup, And Artist Appearance Times Will Be Shared Closer To The Date.)
The Jack McAndrew Memorial Traditional Tent features Irish recording artists Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll, Don Meade, and many more renowned traditional Irish musicians. The Clan Na hÉireann School of Irish Dance Tent features talented local Irish dancers.
The spoken word tent welcomes the members of Irish American Writers & Artists and is moderated by author John Kearns with best-selling authors, historians, poets, storytellers, and historical displays. Special Guest Speaker this year is Dr Ruan O’Donnell from the University of Limerick History Department.
Outstanding artists and craftspeople from Ireland and the Hudson Valley are showcased. ‘18th Century Toys & Games‘ Shari Crawford brings a unique interactive Children’s Area featuring costumes, storytelling, crafts, and other activities.
Tempting food trucks and refreshments from area restaurants and Irish products are available.
The Fest is made possible by community support, particularly from the men, women, and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians. The Consulate General of Ireland NY assists with an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Foreign Affairs Department,” says Dennehy.
Visitors are encouraged to take MTA Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Peekskill train station, immediately adjacent to the beautiful Riverfront Green, and a beautiful 1-hour ride along the Hudson River from GCT. Ample free parking is available.
The Fest’s website, www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com and Facebook page offer details and directions to the Fest and many pictures of past events. For more information about the Hudson Valley Irish Fest, Center, and Library, or contact Cathal McGreal, Hudson Valley Irish Fest Chair at (914) 804-0088 or cathalmcgreal@mac.com
In a normal year, the community-based, not-for-profit cultural group celebrates the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley year-round, culminating with a day of Irish culture at the Peekskill Riverfront.
The 15th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest’s riverside celebration is now planned for Saturday, September 23, 2023. The Fest and Center depends on community support, particularly from the men, women, and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians. The Consulate General of Ireland in New York assists us with an annual grant from Culture Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Program.
