by Erin Gallagher
The Will County Celtic Fest drew record numbers last year, so organizers chose to expand it to two days.
Set for Sept. 6 and 7, the fest family-friendly music event will be held at St. Joe's Park, Joliet.
Saturday will feature a full-day of activities, including three stages of entertainment. There will be full music lineup on the main stage, plus a heritage stage. The Allied Nursery Children's Area will also have a stage.
On Sunday, the fest will offer music and child activities, but on a more limited scale, said Mic Brophy, an event organizer. Sunday will open with Mass at 11 a.m., and will cater to the regulars who attend the park on Sundays throughout the summer.
Now in it's fourth year, the fest is organized by the Irish American Society of County Will, a group that has existed since 1981. The non-profit raises funds for student scholarships.
Fest-goers will find all the excitement of a typical Irish-style festival, with bagpipes, stepdancers and music to jig to.
New things this year include a small Ferris Wheel, carnival games and more children's activities. There will be Celtic storytime, face painting, a magician, crafts and more.
Returning on both days, is the popular plant-a-shamrock, provided by Allied Nursery, as well as bounce houses.
Last year, parents raved about the Wee Folk Area. Toddlers played with age-appropriate toys in a space surrounded by straw bails. Parents could relax at the picnic tables under the trees without have to chase little ones all over the park.
Musically, the fest highlights tremendous talent, according to Eric Johnson, from Flipside Works, the professional organization scheduling the bands.
One performer, Colm O'Brien, out of Ireland via Boston, is a former member of the world-famous group, The Prodigals.
Other bands include Cutthroat Shamrock, Whiskey of the Damned, Allison Flood and friends, John Condron and the Old Gang Orchestra, Alex Hoffer and friends, and the Ploughboys.
For a complete schedule of local and national performers, click here.
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