By Christopher Tola
The University’s seventh annual Irish Experience Festival held this weekend, moved from its usual location outdoors on the South side of campus, indoors to the University Arena.
“Since it has become an indoor festival we are sure the festival will go off smoothly,” Bob Spiotto, entertainment coordinator, said.
Inside the arena two stages were set up for returning and new acts during the day along with an entire section of the upper-tier of the arena dedicated to children’s inflatable rides.
After a year off, Katie’s Puppets, a children’s puppet-show, returned.
“It’s a lot of fun, the kids had a blast playing with the puppets,” said Andrew Brock, 37, of Stewart Manor.
The Black Velvet Band was a new addition to the festival for this year. The three-member band, Michael O’Rourke, James Walsh, and James Fricassi, played traditional Irish Music.
Another highlight of the day for visitors was the Irish Step Dancing. The Hirten Family Irish Step Dancers, a staple of the festival after performing for five years, returned. Three generations of the Hirten family all dance during the performance, including five national champions.
A last minute addition to the Irish Experience was the University’s own world-class Irish Step dancer, Ryan McCarthy.
“He was brought to my attention less than one week,” Spiotto said.
Ryan McCarthy, freshman music major, has been performing Irish Step Dance for seven years.
“I saw Riverdance on TV once and my mom asked me if I wanted to try, not realizing what I’d get into,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy placed first in regional, national and All-Ireland Step-Dance competitions. During the festival McCarthy performed three dances, the Jig, Reel, and Set Dance Downfall of Paris.
Vendor stands were set up around the arena, included the new, popular Guinness brand merchandise.
University Graduate Peggy Sullivan of Wantaugh worked at the booth.
“In Ireland pubs are very social, it’s like them drinking, it’s their community center, Guinness represents that,” Sullivan said.
Entrance to the festival was a suggested $3 donation, the proceeds of which contributed to the Scholarship Fund.
Traditional Irish step dancers in the background, entertain guests at the seventh annual Irish Festival. (Lauren LaCapra/The Chronicle)
The seventh annual Irish Festival featured traditional Irish step dancing, a Guiness merchandise stand, and The Black Velvet Band. (Lauren LaCapra/The Chronicle)