There will be plenty of Irish eyes walking around Fairplex this weekend, or Irish Village, as we will be known Saturday and Sunday. The 8th annual Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival arrives with lots of food, music, art and cultural activities to celebrate the Emerald Isle. Whether you are 100 percent Irish or claim to be just for the weekend, the Irish Fair offers fun for everyone.
I’ve been several times and I can tell you you won’t find greater traditional music outside of Ireland itself. From Celtic music to popular Irish pub bands strumming the sound-alike chords of native sons U2, there are eight stages throughout the Iri
sh Village to keep you entertained. Don’t miss Dublin 4 and Wrath of McGrath. The Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band is made up of Los Angeles police employees.
In true Irish tradition, storytellers will weave tales of yore for young and old. Stop by to listen to True Thomas, Merlin the Magician and Bill Howard – all tale tellers extraordinaire. Don’t miss Leprechaun Village with games and a petting zoo. Also, there will be sheep herding demonstrations in the barn.
Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands to keep beat with the Cripple Creek Cloggers. They, along with a few other dance troupes, will display traditional Irish dancing.
With St. Patrick’s Day in a few weeks, now is the time to order a pint of Guinness and drink to one of the world’s all-time favorite saints. Add some authentic Irish food to that, too. Try out the bangers and mash (sausage and mash potatoes), Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips. Yum!
Check out the Web site, www.la-irishfair.com for more info. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors and students with valid ID, and children 11 and younger are free. A two-day ticket is $28. And, on Saturday, if your last name is Murphy, you get in free (ID required).
The Irish Fair goes on rain or shine. I’ve been to the Fair in the rain and it just makes the day more authentic! So don’t let the rain stop you!!
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