The Hudson Valley Irish Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park on Saturday, September 25, 2021. The Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine. The suggested donation is $10 per person, ages 12 and under Free. No coolers or pets permitted. Advance tickets at www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com/tickets
A community-based, all-volunteer and not-for-profit cultural event, the Fest was established in 2009 to celebrate the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley. Dan Dennehy, founding chair, states, “We plan year-round for our Riverside celebration of Irish and Irish America culture in the Hudson Valley. After a break in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, the Fest, Irish Center, and Library continue to provide high quality, affordable entertainment, educational and musical events.”
On the breathtaking backdropped main stage The Cunningham Brothers Band, Niall & The Durty Nellies, T. McCann Band, Tara O’Grady, and a 20th Anniversary 9/11 Commemoration with Tim Murphy, his band Seisuin accompanied by Joe Brady, Fighting 69th Regimental Pipe Major and Massed Pipe Bands.
The Jack McAndrew Memorial Traditional Tent features Irish recording artists Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll, and many more renowned traditional Irish musicians. The Clan Na hÉireann School of Irish Dance Tent features talented local Irish dancers.
The spoken word tent features the Irish American Writers & Artists and is moderated by author John Kearns with best-selling authors, historians, poets, storytellers, and historical displays.
Outstanding artists and craftspeople from Ireland and the Hudson Valley are showcased. ‘18th Century Toys & Games‘ Shari Crawford, brings a unique interactive Children’s Area featuring costumes, storytelling, crafts, and other activities.
Tempting food trucks and refreshments from area restaurants and Irish products are available.
The Fest is made possible by community support, particularly from the men, women, and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians. The Consulate General of Ireland NY assist with an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Foreign Affairs Department,” says Dennehy.
Visitors are encouraged to take MTA Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Peekskill train station, immediately adjacent to the beautiful Riverfront Green, and a beautiful 1-hour ride along the Hudson River from GCT. Ample free parking is available.
The Fest’s website: www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com and Facebook page, offer details and directions to the Fest, as well as many pictures of past events. For more information about the Hudson Valley Irish Fest, Center, and Library, or contact Cathal McGreal, Hudson Valley Irish Fest Chair at (914) 804-0088 or cathalmcgreal@mac.com
In a normal year the community-based, not-for-profit cultural group celebrates the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley year-round, culminating with a day of Irish culture at the Peekskill Riverfront.
Dan Dennehy, the organizations’ founding chair, stated: “Back in September we had to cancel the Fest due to Covid. The Home For Christmas Concert brings our talented artists from Ireland and America into homes safely.”
Cathal McGreal, Fest chairman stated: “We plan to resume year-round events, including the 2021 Fest, as soon as it’s safe to do so. This has been a fun exercise for us all and brought us closer with a little Irish Christmas Spirit.”
The 12th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest’s riverside celebration is now planned for Saturday, September 25, 2021. The Fest and Center depend on community support, particularly from the men, women, and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians. The Consulate General of Ireland in New York assists the group with an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
