15 years of food, music and fun: Fox Valley Irish Festival is a local favorite
The color green does not always herald in the Irish.
When the orange fence goes up around St. Catherine of Siena Church's parking lot this week, the motoring public will know the annual Fox Valley Irish Festival is not far off. On Friday, days after the orange border and tent rise, the crowds will line up and music will begin.
It's been happening for 15 years. Organizers know by now the sequence of events for their late summer ritual. Fox Valley residents know them too. That's why so many attend to hear bands such as Brigid's Cross, Mickey Finns and the Dundee Scottish T. Doyle Heffron Memorial Pipe Band.
Because a large tent shelters the entertainers and audience, weather has become less and less of a factor.
"We can expect an average of 7,000 people to attend during the three days of the festival," said Jana Peterson, one of the organizers. "People have come to look forward to the festival. It's planned around family entertainment and activities."
While children make crafts in the Wee Folks and Tweens areas, adults can browse among clothing and jewelry vendors. When they become hungry, everyone can stroll through the food area where 12 restaurants will be selling corned beef sandwiches, fresh roasted corn, pizza and cheeseburgers. Baked goods will also be sold, as well as beer and wine for those 21 and older.
To get in shape for all the eating and fun, families can exercise in the annual Jig Jog at 8 a.m. Saturday. A children's "Leprechaun Lap" will be held as well as a "Shamrock Mile" family walk/run, and a 5K road race through the hills of West Dundee.
The races start and end at the Route 72 church.
"The Jig Jog has become a popular event for the Irish Fest," Peterson said. "We attract a lot of runners. The race is certified by the Chicago Area Runners Association."
Another reason the festival has become so popular is the big raffle. For $100, people can buy a ticket and hope to win the $10,000 grand price. The second place prize is $2,000 and three $500 prizes will be awarded to third-place winners. The drawing takes place on Sunday.
All proceeds from admission and raffle ticket sales go to the church.
"The festival started out as a way to make repairs to the church," Peterson said. "In the past we have raised enough to repair the roof and parking lot. All the money stays local."
The festival begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, noon on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for one day and $6 for senior citizens. Two-day passes are $13 and three-day passes will cost $20. For a detailed schedule, see foxvalleyirishfest.com.
"This is a nice community event. And it takes dozens of volunteers to plan and hold it," Peterson said.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> 15th annual Fox Valley Irish Festival, featuring music, dancing, food, kids' activities and a 5k run</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 5 to 10:45 p.m. Friday, noon to 10:45 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10-12</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where: </b>St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee</p>
<p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, free for children 12 and younger; $13 for a two-day pass, $20 for a three-day pass</p>
<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://foxvalleyirishfest.com" target="new">foxvalleyirishfest.com</a>; (847) 426-2217</p>