The largest Irish festival on the east coast, Sept. 18-21, is sponsored by James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), 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, 16 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 Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 AM with a round of golf at the Avalon Golf Club on Route 9 in Swainton. The $90 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 (number below).
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, vs. the Holy Family Boxing Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
For advanced ticket sales please call 215-456-1778 or contact the AOH.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the festivities will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue where 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. Stop by the AOH table for additional information.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be free live entertainment continuously from 11 a.m.-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, McHenry and Clark, and many more.
Also, Friday will feature a ceili from 6- 10 p.m., at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, Ninth and Central avenues. $12 admission fee, food and beverages will be available. The South Jersey Ceili Band will be performing.
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 at Eighth and Central avenues. This event attracts thousands of spectators. Come see and hear some of the best pipe bands in the East!
On Sunday, everyone is welcome to celebrate our faith and heritage at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Glenwood and Atlantic avenues for 11 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. Reverend William T. McCandless (Father Bill) will serve as the 2008 Grand Marshall.
The AOH is 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 and 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 performers include: Paddy’s Well, featuring Paul Moore, along with the Derek Warfield and the young Wolf Tones, Searson, The Bogside Rogues, Sean Fleming Band, 2U (the greatest U2 tribute band, The Glensiders, The Broken Shillelaghs, The Highland Rovers.
On Friday evening only, the comedy of Joe Conklin and Love Seed Jump will be featured. The Irish Music Tent will feature non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend.
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 avenues along Surf Avenue to 26th Street.
As a result of this extremely successful annual fundraising 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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