Sea Isle City’s 2013 Irish Weekend Was a Huge Success

SEA ISLE CITY – Thanks to ideal weather conditions, authentic Irish entertainment, a bustling vendors market, delicious food and large crowds, Sea Isle City’s 2013 Irish Weekend, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 20-22, was a big success – and that’s no Blarney!
The three-day festival, which took place along JFK Boulevard, was co-sponsored by LaCosta Lounge and KIX-McNutley’s. An extensive line-up of Irish musicians performed throughout Irish Weekend, including West of Galway, Cletus McBride, Blackthorn and Round Tower, who each had audiences cheering. There were also performances by the rock bands Split Decision and The Insiders.
The 3rd Annual Michael Fisher Foundation 5K Run / Walk, which took place on Saturday morning along Sea Isle’s oceanfront Promenade, was held in conjunction with Irish Weekend. The race benefitted Deborah Heart and Lung Center and children’s health charities.
The first place winner of the 5K Run was Bill Connelly, 25, of Thornton, PA, and Sea Isle City. Connelly completed the race in 18-minutes, 39-seconds. Joseph Mitzak, 27, of Easton, PA, and Sea Isle City, finished in second place with a time of 21:44; and Meg Annan, 52, of West Chester, PA, finished in third place, 23:14. Annan was also honored for being the first female to cross the finish line.
Later on Saturday, students from the Ryan Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance performed under the festival’s Family Tent on JFK Boulevard – much to the delight of audience members, who were impressed with the dancer’s fancy foot work and accurate timing.
When festival-goers needed nourishment, local food vendors were ready to satisfy their hunger with a variety of tempting culinary options. And, when they felt like shopping, the merchants at the Irish Vendors Market offered crafts, traditional Irish collectibles, sporting equipment, jewelry, and, of course, countless shamrock-covered tee-shirts, Claddagh throw blankets, Irish flags and other Celtic-inspired items.
According to event organizer Jim Bennett, this year’s festival was a huge success.
“Sea Isle City’s Irish Weekend is very popular because there’s something for everyone,” said Bennett. “Families with children, young adults and baby boomers all enjoyed the Irish dancers and the bands, including Blackthorn, who appeals to a very large base of old and young, and West of Galway, who wore kilts and played authentic Irish music. Plus, we had great food and 100 vendors, who were also very happy to be there. In fact, more than half of our vendors have already signed up for next year’s Irish Weekend because everyone had fun!”
For additional information about events taking place in Sea Isle City, visit www.seaislecitynj.us or phone (609) 263-8687.