AOH presents 18th Annual Irish Fall Festival

Sep, 24-2009 9:55 am

NORTH WILDWOOD -- The largest Irish festival on the East Coast begins Thursday, Sept. 24 and concludes Sunday, Sept. 27. This festive event is sponsored by James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). The AOH is an organization that fosters and preserves Irish culture and heritage.
North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey said, “We are proud to host this four-day celebration, and we welcome everyone to join the fun. Like St. Patrick’s Day, everyone’s Irish at the Irish Fall Festival.”  
The success of this festival has been overwhelming, and continues to draw more and more people each year. With more than 100 merchandise vendors, 16 food vendors, and an estimated crowd of more than 200,000, this gathering will definitely be the place you want to be.
The activities begin on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 a.m. with a round of golf at the Avalon Golf Club on Route 9 in Swainton. The $90 fee includes golf fees, cart, cap, buffet, beer and many prizes. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. For additional information, contact the AOH.  
On Thursday evening, the festival will begin where Olde New Jersey Avenue meets the ocean. The tent at the municipal parking lot will be transformed into a boxing arena. Ten amateur boxing bouts, sanctioned by the Middle Atlantic Boxing Association, will feature the Harrowgate Boxing Club, Philadelphia, Pa. vs. the Holy Family Boxing Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The cost per ticket is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For advanced ticket sales please 215-465-1778 or 609-729-1966.  
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday Olde New Jersey Avenue will be hopping with street vendors displaying their Irish memorabilia and food vendors offering a variety of Irish and non-Irish treats. It begins at 8 a.m. each day and continues until 7 p.m. Stop by and visit the AOH table for additional information.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be free live entertainment continuously from noon until 10:30 p.m. both days. As always, the concert will begin with the National Anthem sung by Dolly McGee, followed by the Irish National Anthem sung by Mary Pat Hastings. Other featured performers include: Timmy Kelly, Maura McKinney-Mastro, Ballina, Broken Shillelaghs, Bare Knuckle Boxers, Celtic Pride and many more.      
Saturday begins with a 5K Run. If you are interested, you can sign up at 8 a.m. at the AOH tent (between First and Second avenues) on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Prizes will be awarded.
Saturday at 10 a.m. the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition will take place at the field located at Eighth and Central avenues. The event attracts thousands of spectators. Come see and hear some of the best pipe bands in the East.
Also on Saturday, the AOH will host free Irish Dance Lessons at the Anglesea Volunteer Fire House, located in the heart of the festival activities at Second and Olde New Jersey avenues from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Later that evening, join in the Ceili taking place from 7 until 11 p.m. The Pearl River Ceili Band, featuring Felix Dolan (keyboard), Patty Furlong (button accordion), John Reynolds (fiddle) and Margie Mulvihill (flute) will be performing at this event. There is a $15 admission fee, which includes light fare (coffee, tea, cookies and cakes). Other refreshments will be available.  
Saturday evening, direct from Ireland, 4 Celtic Women will be performing in concert, along with the Gibson School of Irish Dance. Come take a spellbinding journey through Ireland, Scotland, and Wales through the magic of exceptional vocals and traditions of Celtic instruments. The concert takes place at Wildwood Catholic High School, 15th and Central avenues. To reserve your seat, contact Kathleen Connolly at 609-729-1307. Tickets are $20 and the show begins at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, everyone is welcome to celebrate our faith and heritage at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church, Glenwood and Atlantic avenues for 11 a.m. Mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Color Guard and a liturgical bag piper soloist.
Sunday at 1 p.m., the parade begins at 24th and Surf avenues and will continue to Spruce and Olde New Jersey avenues. Niall Burgess, Consul General of Ireland, will serve as the 2009 grand marshall.
Once again, the AOH is honored to have Shamus Boyle, national president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as a special guest.  
All AOH organizations are welcome to be a part of this celebration of Irish history and heritage. The parade will also feature Miss North Wildwood Deneen Piotrowski, many fraternal organizations, bag pipe bands, Irish dance groups and more.    
The official Irish Music Tent, featuring continuous Irish entertainment throughout the weekend, is located in the municipal parking lot. The performers include: Paddy’s Well, featuring Paul Moore, The Wolftones Derek Warfield, The Elders, Bogside Rogues, Sean Fleming Band, Broken Shillelaghs, Secret Service and the Highland Rovers with special guest appearances by the Fitzpatrick School of Irish dance.  
On Friday evening only, the comedy of Joe Conklin and Love Seed Mama Jump will be featured. Visit the Irish Music Tent for non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend.  
Irish food and entertainment will be available at most of the clubs and pubs in North Wildwood all weekend long.
Due to the heavy traffic expected, festival organizers recommend you leave your car at your home or motel and use festival transportation. Trolleys will run Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., stopping at any corner along the route.
North Wildwood Route: Trolleys and buses will loop continuously from Third and New Jersey avenues, south on New Jersey, then east on 26th Ave., and north on Surf.
Fare is $3 for one way, or pay $25 for a bracelet for unlimited weekend rides.
Wildwood, Wildwood Crest Route: Continuous loop from Third and New Jersey avenues, east on Schellenger Avenue, south on Ocean Avenue, West on Farragut Road, and south on Atlantic Avenue to Rochester Avenue.
Fare is $5 for one way; bracelet for unlimited weekend rides is $30. Call 884-5230 for info.
The festival is always an extremely successful fundraising event for the AOH. Its success reflects the loyalty and ideals that have helped to strengthen our families, community, and national character.  
The AOH would like to acknowledge and thank Mayor Bill Henfey and the city of North Wildwood for their annual support of this event.
For additional information, contact the AOH at 1-800-IRISH-91 or www.cmcaoh.com