NORTH WILDWOOD — The largest Irish festival on the east coast begins on Thurs., Sept. 23rd, 2010 and concludes on Sun., Sept. 26. This festive four-day event is sponsored by James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). The AOH is an organization, which fosters and preserves Irish culture and heritage.
The success of this festival has been overwhelming, and continues to draw more and more people each year. With over one hundred vendors, sixteen food vendors, and an estimated crowd of over 200,000, this gathering will definitely be the place you want to be.
The activities begin on Thurs., Sept. 23rd, at 7:30 a.m. with a round of golf at the Avalon Golf Club on Route 9 in Swainton. The $90.00 fee includes golf fees, cart, cap, buffet, beer and many prizes. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. For additional information, please contact the AOH.
On Thursday evening, the festival will begin where Olde New Jersey Avenue meets the ocean. The tent at The Pointe at Moore’s Inlet will be transformed into a boxing arena. Ten amateur boxing bouts, sanctioned by the Middle Atlantic Boxing Association, will feature the Harrowgate Boxing Club, Philadelphia, Pa. vs. the Holy Family Boxing Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For advanced ticket sales please call 215-465-1778 or contract the AOH.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the festivities will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Here the street vendors will display their Irish memorabilia, and the food vendors will offer a variety of Irish and non-Irish treats. This activity begins at 8 a.m. each morning and continues until 7 p.m. There is sure to be something for everyone. Stop by and visit the AOH table for additional information.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be free live entertainment continuously from 1 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. As always, the concert will begin with the National Anthem sung by Dolly McGee, followed by the Irish National Anthem sung by Mary Pat Hastings. Other featured performers include: Timmy Kelly, Maura McKinney-Mastro, Ballina, Broken Shillelaghs, Birmingham 6, Celtic Pride and many, many more.
Saturday begins with a 5K Run. If you are interested, you can sign up at 8 a.m. at the AOH tent (between First and Second Avenues) on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Saturday at 10 a.m. the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition will take place at the field located at Eighth and Central avenues. This event attracts thousands of spectators. Come see and hear some of the best pipe bands in the East.
Also on Saturday, the AOH will host free Irish dance lessons at the Anglesea Volunteer Fire House, located in the heart of the festival activities at Second and Olde New Jersey avenues from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Later that evening join in the action and spend the evening at the Ceili taking place from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The Pearl River Ceili Band will be performing at this event. There is a $15 admission fee and includes a light fare (coffee, tea, cookies and cakes). Other refreshments will be available.
On Sunday, everyone is welcome to celebrate our faith and heritage at Saint Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues for 10:30 a.m. Mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Color Guard and a liturgical bag piper soloist.
Sunday at 1 p.m., the parade begins at 24th and Surf Avenues and will continue to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues. The Irish Fall Festival is honored to announce that U. S. Spc. 4 Kevin McCloskey, graduate of North Catholic High School and a Afghanistan war hero, will serve as the 2010 Grand Marshall. Once again, we are honored to have Shamus Boyle, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as a special guest. All AOH organizations are welcome to be a part of this celebration of Irish history and heritage.
The parade will also feature Miss North Wildwood, many fraternal organizations, bagpipe bands, Irish dance groups and much, much more.
The official irish music tent, featuring continuous Irish entertainment throughout the weekend is located in the municipal parking lot across from The Pointe at Moore’s Inlet. The Irish Music Tent will feature non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend with Paddy’s Well (and Paul Moore) and other featured Irish entertainers.
Irish food and entertainment will be available at most of the clubs and pubs in North Wildwood all weekend long.
As always, bus service will be available from the Anglesea Fire Hall – Second and Olde New Jersey Avenue along Surf Avenue to 26th Street.
As a reslt of this extremely successful annual fund raising event, the AOH achieves significant charitable accomplishments. These contributions reflect the loyalty and ideals, which have helped to strengthen our families, community, and national character.
The AOH would like to acknowledge and thank Mayor Bill Henfey and the City of North Wildwood for their annual support of this event.
For additional information, contact the AOH at 1-800-IRISH-91 or www.cmcaoh.com
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