Photo Gallery of the 7th Annual Barrington Celtic Fest

Cook street in Barrington turned green for the 7th Annual Celtic Fest and maybe some Cubby Blue as former Chicago Cub, Chico Walker became Irish for a few days.

“I’m happy to be celebrating and meeting some Barrington fans for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Chico Walker. “ Normally I don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On occasion I’ve had a green beer,” laughs Walker.

Walker, who stopped by the fest with Mike Kozel (who is running for Village President) was at the tent at McGonigal’s Pub along Cook Street signing autographs.

“I’m also here to support Mike Kozel and his passion for Barrington, like the passion I had for baseball,” Walker said. “ His plans for the village’s future looks good for the residents and surrounding communities,” he added.

On Saturday March 18th, Chico Walker will be at GrassRoots, located at 211 Park Avenue signing autographs and taking photos. Mike Kozel and JoAnne Fletcher will be joining Walker.

“ This festival is a tradition in Barrington,’ said Mike Kozel. “ It’s one of the better festivals in town. Come back out on Saturday, you can talk to me about anything,” said Kozel.

Mike Kozel couldn’t be happier to have Chico Walker on his team. “ I am honored that Chico came out to support my candidacy,” said Kozel. “ To introduce him to Cub fans in Barrington, they are extremely grateful,”.

Barrington resident and business owner Todd Rhodes stopped by the tent to introduce his two sons to Chico and to take in bagpipes, a corned beef sandwich and some shamrocks.

“ I’ve been taking part in the Celtic Fest for five years,” Rhodes said. “ This festival is put together by the McGonigal’s and their team. It’s always full of people, their turnout here is always a success,” he added.

Rhodes speaks about his favorite subject, Barrington.

“ This is a success, Celtic Fest. We’re on the train line. We’re bringing people in from Palatine, Crystal Lake and more. We should be able to do that as a village for the events that involve our community. It’s just not happening right now and I hope we can achieve that,” adds Rhodes.

Rhodes is sponsoring attendees to the Celtic Fest to win tickets to a Cubs game. People attending the fest can stop by and fill out an entry form on Saturday. He continues to invest in Barrington.

“ Barrington residents are very talented in many different ways,” said Rhodes. “ I moved here in 1989, it’s a big part of my life. Barrington has been crying to be taken to the next level. There is a lot of compassion here, a lot of charitable events by people who always give and support our community. I feel like our town right now is not caught up with the energy of our citizens. I can feel it. I am somebody that can help do that, “ added Rhodes.

Again, Chico will be signing autographs Saturday March 18th at GrassRoots located at 211 Park Ave. in Barrington.

“ I just want to say, for all you Cub fans that have been waiting 40, 50 years for a World Series win, congratulations to you,” said Walker. “ Winning brings out the best in everyone,” he added.

The Celtic Fest continues on Saturday March 18th from 11:00 AM- 2:00 AM. McGonigal’s is located at 105 S. Cook Street. At this annual fest, funds are being raised for Relay For Life, which according to McGonigal’s Facebook page, is near and dear to the heart of Dennis McGonigal.