BLOG: Join Me At Philadelphia Irish Festival Sunday

By Jim Donovan: Come out and join me this Sunday as The Philadelphia Irish Festival takes over the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street.

The 13th annual Irish Festival is a family event that features well-known Irish musical performers. The gates will open at 12 Noon on Sunday and admission is free. Guests can enjoy the music of Jamison, Blackthorn and the Hooligans on the main stage.

I will be among a group of people who will be honored for our work in the Irish Community; I'll be joined by Marianne McDonald, Irish Radio Show Hostess and professional volunteer. Tom Keenan Photographer for the Irish Edition Newspaper, and Mike Concannon, Irish Radio show host. (I will be at the Festival between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.)

Irish dance schools such as Emerald Isle, Celtic Flame, Cummins, Coyle, Rince Ri, McDade, Cara, McHugh, Christina Ryan Kilcoyne, and 2nd St. Irish Society will perform at the main stage.

The festival of music, dancing, food, and entertainment will be held on Sunday, June 5th from Noon until 8:00 p.m. Parking lots are available right next to the Great Plaza.

Food Vendors will be serving Irish favorites such as Shepherd's Pie, Bangor's and mashed potatoes, and pulled pork. Adult and children's beverages are also available. Over 40 different vendors will be selling authentic and traditional Irish goods and crafts. Hope to see you there!

Here is a schedule of events:

Bands on Main Stage - Sunday June 5th, 2011
12:00 PM - 2:15 PM - JAMISON
2:45 PM - 5:15 PM - BLACKTHORN
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM - THE HOOLIGANS

Dance Schools in front of Main Stage - Sunday June 5, 2011
NOON - 12:30 PM -
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM - Celtic Flame
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Emerald Isle
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Celtic Flame
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Christina Ryan Kilcoyne
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Coyle
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM - McDade
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM - Cara
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Rince Ri
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - McHugh
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Christina Ryan Kilcoyne
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM - 2nd Street Irish
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM -
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM -

Dance Schools in Tent - Sunday June 5th, 2011
Dance schools, you must bring our own Music and player!

NOON - 12:25 PM -
12:30 PM - 12:55 PM – Emerald Isle
1:00 PM - 1:25 PM - Celtic Flame
1:30 PM - 1:55 PM - Christina Ryan Kilcoyne
2:00 PM - 2:25 PM - Coyle
2:30 PM - 2:55 PM – McDade
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM - Cara
3:30 PM - 3:25 PM - Rince Ri
4:00 PM - 4:25 PM - McHugh
4:30 PM - 4:55 PM - Cummins
5:00 PM - 5:25 PM - 2nd Street Irish
5:30 PM - 5:55 PM -
6:00 PM - 6:25 PM –

HONOREES
2011
Jim Donovan
Tom Keenan
Marianne McDonald
Mike Concannon