Celtic Fest Chicago: A jig of a good time
Published: Aug 13, 2009
The shores of Chicago will be stormed September 12 and 13 with hoards eager to celebrate the city’s annual Celtic Fest. The two day celebration in Grant Park has become an annual tradition complete with dancing, live music, competitions and demonstrations, dedicated to all things Irish and Scottish.
Now celebrating its 13th anniversary, Celtic Fest Chicago first began in 1997 to educate the public on Celtic music and culture from the seven Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Wales, Galicia, Spain, and Brittany, France. Originally featuring Celtic bagpipes and dancing, the festival has since expanded to include themed tents, sheepherding demonstrations, upgraded children’s areas and competitions including the popular Men in Kilts Leg contest.
This year’s festival features seven performance areas, including the Celtic Crossroad stage with a full line-up of popular Celtic performers, the Next Generation Stage hosting local Celtic music school performers, and the Dance Tent featuring traditional dance performances.
Festival highlights include performances by Leahy, a popular Celtic group of eight brothers and sisters who have previously opened for Shania Twain’s world tour. Also appearing is renowned Celtic group Gaelic Storm, who were featured in the film “Titanic.” Entertaining performances from Belfast group McPeake and Brittany group Pennou Skoulm will also be included.
Brave men can sign up for the 4th year of the Men in Kilts Contest; ladies will be the judge of the best pair of legs in the traditional Celtic outfit. Kids will enjoy a stop at the Wee Ones Play Area, which will include an inflatable castle, mini golf, face painting, arts and crafts, and even a sing along with the Wiggleworms.
The Blarney Stop Beer Tent will feature bagpipe performances, and sheepherding will be conducted daily on Butler Field. The Celtic Cultural Tent will host Celtic storytellers, and guests can peruse the Celtic Fest Art Fair and enjoy refreshments in the Coffee and Tea Garden.
With free admission and such a wide variety of activities, there’s sure to be something to please every visitor – Celtic or not - at Celtic Fest Chicago.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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