Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul, MN

A Bit of Ireland in Twin Cities MInnesota on August 8-10, 2008

Aug 4, 2008

Irish Fest on Harriet Island in the Twin Cities is an increasingly popular cultural event with dancing, music, contests, sporting events, food, beer and Irish spirit.

Irish Fair at Harriet Island in the Twin Cities of Minnesota is a free event that takes place the weekend of August 8-10, 2008. The Irish themed festival is held on Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the banks of the Great Mississippi River. Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown Saint Paul has hosted the Irish Fair since 2001.

The love of culture from Ireland brought nearly 100,000 festival goers to Irish Fest last year. Entertainment includes Irish Idol Contest, Celtic music, Irish dancers, native dogs of Ireland, marketplace, children's area, sports, traditional Irish Food and beer. Guests have a chance to participate in social dancing, in contests and to enjoy the camaraderie of the Irish.

Irish Fair Idol Contest

The festival starts on Friday with the Irish Fair Idol Contest. This is the second annual Irish Fair Idol Contest. The contest is open to any music or dance act that is not already booked on the Jake O'Connor's or Cara Irish. Pubs Stages. Irish Idol takes place on Friday, August 8 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm on the Jake O'Connor's Stage. The winner of the Friday contest get to perform on the Jake O'Connor's Stage on Saturday and receives a prize of $250. There is an application on line at the official Irish Fair website.

Headlining Entertainment

Musical headliners include Flogging Molly, The Elders, The Tannahill Weavers, The Fuchsia Band, Scythian and Stephen's Green,

Irish Indeed Children's Area Stage

Young people can learn Irish dance steps and be entertained by singers, storytellers and puppeteers. Reilly's Border Collies herd sheep several times a day. Races for kids aged 3-10 are held each day. Kids can also make crafts and visit the face painter.

Cultural Activities

The cultural area showcases Irish heritage and current cultural developments. There are cultural workshops and seminars throughout the grounds, including the Erin McKiernan Seminar Tent, Sean T. Kelly Lore 'n' More Tent and the Workshop Tent. Centennial Showboat Festival Theater features five different performances on Sunday.

Native Dogs of Ireland

Native Irish dogs are breeds that have traditionally helped to herd or to hunt. The Irish Kennel Club breeds include: Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Kerry Beagle, Irish Red Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Red and White Setter and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Dog owners bring their Irish breed to be introduced in a parade and on stage. People are welcome to pet the dogs and learn more about the hardy Irish breeds.

Sports

Sports includes the third annual 5K run with the Celts and th 1-K family walk run. These events take place on Saturday morning, with proceeds benefiting the Irish Fair Legacy Fund.

Traditional Irish sporting activities at the far include an Irish Cup soccer match on Friday evening, Gaelic football, rugby, hurling, tug of war an boxing exhibitions.

Sunday Mass

Festival Hours

Irish Fair of Minnesota runs Friday 3 - 11 pm, Saturday 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 10:30 am to 8:00 pm.

Additional Festivals

The copyright of the article Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul, MN in Minnesota Travel is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul, MN in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.