SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City’s Fourth Annual Irish Festival brought out the “green” in thou-sands, thanks to a weekend filled with Irish music, Irish dancing, shopping and great food.
The three-day event, co-sponsored by Kix-McNutley’s and LaCosta Lounge, took place at JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue – in the heart of the resort’s downtown – on Fri. through Sun., Sept. 24, 25 and 26.
Festivities kicked-off on Friday afternoon with live music that continued throughout the week-end. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, the festival’s “Irish Market” took place along the JFK Boulevard, where over 70 vendors sold a variety of Irish-inspired items ranging from shamrock-covered hats to green Philadelphia Phillies tee-shirts. Vendors also offered children’s toys, fash-ion apparel, collectibles, jewelry and many other items.
After shoppers were finished strolling through the Irish Market – and taking in the sunshine and unseasonably warm weather – they took refuge under the festival’s giant music tent, where live performances kept people dancing throughout the weekend. Bands also appeared inside La-Costa’s main lounge, on the back deck and outside along Landis Avenue. In addition to the sounds of The Gallagher Brothers, Cletus McBride, Snakes and other performers, students from the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance wowed audiences with their fancy foot-work during four separate appearances.
The Irish Festival also featured a dozen food vendors and numerous displays from local non-profit organizations. Adding to the fun was the friendly smile of Jim “Pop” Welsh, owner of Welshie’s Restaurant, who arrived with his beard dyed bright-green and his Irish charm at-the-ready. Welsh was just one of many local residents who helped make the 2010 Irish Festival a success. Jimmy Bennett, owner of LaCosta Lounge, was another.
“It was a great weekend,” said Bennett, organizer of the event. “We had plenty of great entertainment and everyone enjoyed themselves. The Irish Festival is just one of many good reasons to come to Sea Isle City during the autumn months.”
For information about other events taking place in Sea Isle City this fall, visit www.seaislecitynj.us .
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