Of Quilts and Celts

In our usual mix of diverse entertainment, we are offering quilts and Celts this weekend at Fairplex. So, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to make a lovely quilt, and want to follow it up with a pint of Guinness while watching some cloggers get their groove on, come on out! The Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival runs through Saturday and the 9th annual Irish Fair and Music Festival is here Saturday and Sunday.

The quilt show offers fabric, patterns and make and take workshops. They also have items for crafts, beading, jewelry and card making. It’s pretty inspiring just walking through and looking at the quilts and crafts on display. Admission to the show is free – so no excuses! Plus, you can get a check mark on the learning to sew resolution you made for 2011.

Beginning Saturday, we’ll all be Irish as the Irish Fair turns the fountains at Fairplex green. The show will feature more than 2,000 performers presenting the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music, song, dance and pageantry.

Headlining more than 60 shows are Wrath of McGrath, Skelipin, The Mulligans, Anita and the Yanks, Twilight Lords, Black Top Blaggers and The Black Rose Band. Also appearing are Chris Colt, The Green Ashes, Knockabouts, Emerald Society and 42nd Highlanders. Dance groups performing include the McCartan Irish Dancers, Royal Scottish Dancers and fair favorites the Cripple Creek Cloggers, who’s exciting dance numbers have long been crowd favorites. The Celtic warriors march in the parade at noon and the Ancient Irish Village is full of crafters and activities. 

Children’s Leprechaun Kingdom offers such family entertainment as carnival rides, games, freckle contests and story tellers. Nearby are sheep herding and Connamara pony exhibitions.

Food stalls will be serving up corn beef sandwiches, bangers and giant turkey legs, along with hot dogs, fries and burgers along with traditional corn beef and cabbage and Irish beverages. 

The Irish Fair and Music Festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $18 for adults, $16 seniors (age 55 & over), $16 students with valid ID and $28 for a  two-day pass.  Children ages 11 and younger are free. For more information visit la-irishfair.com. Parking is at Gate 9 on White Avenue.