May 2011 - Irish American News

A Chairde:Irish Fest on Memorial weekend is always welcomedby the Irish-American community in the Midwest as thefirst sign that Summer fun is here. 2011 is the 25th GaelicPark Irish Fest and Festival Chairman Frank Bradley andhis committee have put together a remarkable programover 4 days that has something for everybody.Irish Fest at Gaelic Park is a family affair; it is a joy to seea second generation of young families come to “ThePark” to share and create memories with their youngand not so young children. The child in all of us is stirredby the sights and sounds of a carnival, a feature thatis unique to our Fest. The initial entry fee covers unlimitedcarnival rides, so parents never have to say “no”when little Johnny requests just one more ride on thebumper cars. A tent dedicated to shows and entertainmentfor the wee folk gives Mom and Dad a chance torecharge their batteries. Gaelic Park over 25 years hasintroduced many entertainers to Chicago and this yearRonan Tynan makes his debut at Irish Fest. The full lineupis available elsewhere on these pages and many Festfavorites are back again. At Gaelic Park we recognizethat bringing in top class entertainment on a variety ofstages and making it affordable is a priority. I recommendyou visit www.Chicagogaelicpark.org where youwill find a link to purchase one day tickets for $10 or a4-day weekend pass for $25, and as always parking isfree. Irish Fest at Gaelic Park would not be possible withoutthe commitment of our directors, past and present,our volunteers and our staff, and we are very proud tooffer this wonderful weekend of celebrating all that isIrish to everybody in the Midwest.John Devitt, PresidentPerforming Arts Stage Irish Festhas a full schedule planned for yourenjoyment on each day of the Fest, presentedby many different theatre groups.Friday evening the performances runfrom 6pm to 9pm; Saturday/Sunday12:30pm to 8pm; Monday 1pm to 5:30pm.Check the exact times for each theatregroup when you arrive at the Fest—youwon’t want to miss one of these fabulousperformances!NEW FOR FEST 2011Special 25th ANNIVERSARYOnline Admission Prices!Four exciting days of thetop Irish entertainment onsix lively stages all for onelow admission price—rainor shine! Admission ticketsinclude unlimited amusementrides by SpectacularMidways!$25 for 4 DAY Weekend Pass$10 Daily Admission13-65 years of age$ 8 Daily Admissionunder 12/over 65No refunds-Non transferable.Photo ID required at admissionwill call.See web site for details www.chicagogaelicpark.org.Chicago Feis will takeplace at Gaelic Park onMonday, May 30th from 9amto 3pm. The competitions willcommence in the Emeraldand Tara rooms with over 400competitors. No stages willbe outside. The entry Fee is$10 for each adult from 7amuntil noon, which includesthe Festival and all carnivalrides.