Watertown— Friday, March 15 kicks off the beginning of the annual “North Country Goes Green” weekend, the much-anticipated Irish Festival.
“Tartan Special,” the traditional Irish Folk band will be starting the evening at 5:30 p.m. along with entertainment from “Casey Street Shuffle.” The 27th annual Gerry Casey’s- Miss Irish is the largest gathering of Irish American lasses from all over North America. All of this action will be on the first floor.
But, for those that want to try something else, the eleventh floor will feature Celtic sounds of “Jim Bigness” at 5:30 p.m. and the judging of the “Donegal Beard Growing Contest” at 7:00 p.m. “The Prodigals,” the high-impact Celtic Rock band will play around 9:30 p.m. and finish off the evening.
Saturday, March 16- “The Copperheads” were featured to play around 11:30 a.m., but will now be replaced with “The Barry Tierney Group.” During the afternoon, the audience can join “Johnston School” and learn how to step dance, Irish style.
“Tartan Special” will be playing again Saturday evening. Other bands that will be scattered throughout the festive day and evening including:
· Merry Mischief
· Kilrush
· Trillium Fiddler
· The Willoughby Brothers
· The Terry Mostyn Band
· Aschmann and McFadden Band
· Whiskey of the Damned
Sunday, March 17 is a big day for kids and family with “Celtic Kid Zone” with Irish storyteller Deirdre McCarthy. Kids will learn how to play the spoons, dance a jig, enjoy balloon hats, pets and much more. Along with more Irish bands scattered throughout the afternoon, you will not want to miss the Irish Parade, which starts at the St. Patrick’s Church at 1 p.m. and ends at the State Office Building.
Proceeds from the Irish Festival will go to “Project Children North” which brings kids from Ireland for 6 weeks in the summer. The kids stay with local host families and get the opportunity to experience the United States. Profits from the festival will also go to scholarships and other charities such as Wounded Warrior, USO, Credo Foundation, Urban Mission and food pantries within the tri-county area.
For those interested in arriving at the Festival with added Irish spirit, New Attitude Hair Salon is offering green hair extensions for $10 or hair chalk for $5.
General Admission
March 15 - 17th Dulles State Office Building Watertown, NY 13601
$6 admission Friday & Saturday, under 12 is free. Sunday is family day with $6 admission for family and $2 individual admission.
