NORTH WILDWOOD—When Irish eyes were smiling it was because the people behind them were having a very good time. That was the general feel of the North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival on Sept. 21. The festival was sponsored by James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). The AOH is an organization that fosters and preserves Irish culture and heritage.
The festival kicked off on Sept. 19 with a boxing match between U.S. and Ireland (U.S. won). The rest of the weekend was filled with music, food, dancing, tee-shirt sales, and of course, a wee bit of alcohol.
Walking through a sea of green on Olde New Jersey Avenue, a person might almost believe they were somehow transported to the Emerald Isle. Whether one was Irish or not didn’t matter, as there was plenty of good cheer to share. There was even a leprechaun walking about! Comedian/magician Bill Hare took photo after photo with those who crossed his path. “I came down here to take a break,” he said. There seemed to be a lot of that going around.
On Sept. 21, the Irish band Birmingham 6 lit up the outdoor stage with renditions of Celtic classics. Those sitting on benches and standing on sidelines were also treated to a rollicking version of Dropkick Murphy’s “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” No doubt many would hear this contemporary anthem performed several more times if they hung around long enough, making their way through the festival.
At the end of Olde New Jersey Avenue, the “Irish Weekend 2013 Official Music Tent” showcased the main events all weekend long. Special VIP bracelets were sold for $10, which would give a person, full access. Considering that the festival itself was free, this price was just right. On Sept. 21, VIPs were treated to Irish step dancing by the Fitzpatrick Irish Dancers as well as the musical stylings of the Bogside Rogues, Celtic Connection, Kilmaine Saints, No Irish Need Apply and the Sean Fleming Band. Attendants young and old felt the beat from within and got up to dance. The youngest, perhaps, was Kate Posner from Downington, Pa. At just 2-years old, Kate went crazy for the band No Irish Need Apply. She danced with her Dad for a while before several other children joined her. “This is our first time here and we just love it,” said Kate’s mom. “We came all the way down for the Irish Festival,” by the joy in her daughter’s eyes, the Posners were not disappointed.
Pubs and restaurants were also packed, in many instances to standing room only. At Echo’s Bar, Holly Walker, Ann McCallum, Barbara Sheffert, and Mike and Terri Malinoski, a group of friends from Baltimore tipped a few back beside friendly conversation with newly met people. As the Irish poet William Butler Yeats once said, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.”
This was how it went on all day and all weekend. Friends coming together to eat, drink, and be merry amongst themselves and new, smiling faces. John Cooke of Springfield, Pa drew some attention dressed as “the Irish Pope.” Celebrating the festival with his family, he brought smiles to all who took in his costume. Posing for pictures with anyone who asked, Cooke brought a pinch of happiness to Mary Trodden, a senior citizen from Bluebell, Pa. “I come every year for the Irish Festival,” Trodden said with a fleck of green in her eye. “I just love it.”
Be they kings, or poets, or farmers,
They’re a people of great worth,
They keep company with the angels,
And bring a bit of heaven here to earth
– Irish saying
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