The largest three day Irish Festival in the world returns to Dublin
DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Since 1988, the first weekend in August has been reserved for the largest 3-day Irish Festival in the world. Which means the Dublin Irish Festival is officially back!
August 1st kicked off day one. It opened at 4 p.m. and hundreds made their way to Coffman Park. From the food to the games to the music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“It's so amazing, especially on this weekend when we've had such, you know, hot weather. We're excited to be back here with our friends and family,” said Director of Events for the City of Dublin, Alison LeRoy.
Since 2010, Dublin Food Pantry has been the primary beneficiary. Since then, the festival has donated more than 200,000 pounds of food and over $130,000.
“It's our community helping our community. And we know from the food pantry that we are their largest collection. So it's really important for everybody to come out and support them,” said LeRoy.
You’re not required to donate, but they’ll be collecting canned goods or a cash donation on Sunday. This 3-day festival would not be possible without the work of more than 1,000 volunteers and 150 year-round committee members.
“Volunteers range in age from little ones all the way up to well into their eighties. Families volunteer together. Teens love doing it, and it becomes a tradition with families,” said Director of Outreach and Engagement for the City of Dublin, Christine Nardecchia.
You’ll find them in places like the admission gates, merchandise tents, and they help get entertainers to and from their stage. Since 2006, to recognize all the hard work the volunteers do, the festival has given out two scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
“This year we were very proud to award it to a Coffman and a Jerome graduating senior. The other tradition that we have seen over the years is that scholarship winners continue year after year to give back to the festival through volunteering into their adulthood,” said Nardecchia.
The festival continues Saturday, August 2nd, from 11 a.m. to midnight and then from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.