More than 3,500 people from 66 towns attended the first Naperville Irish Fest in 2021.
“We’re pleased with that,” said event co-chair Marjorie O’Dowd. “This year, we want to be excited.”
The second edition of the festival, sponsored by the Irish group West Suburban, takes place Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. at the Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Road.
Unlike in 2021, when the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared but some events in Illinois were still canceled, this year’s two-day festival will be stepped up because there is less uncertainty, O said. ‘Dowd.
“We weren’t sure what our expectations were (in 2021) because we were just coming out of COVID,” he said. “We didn’t know what people thought about it.
“We want to improve the numbers this year because I think most people have been vaccinated and are taking steps to get back out in public.”
This year there will be three entertainment stages, more food trucks, an expanded children’s area, a children’s parade and two bounce houses.
“Last year because of COVID, we didn’t have the bounce houses,” O’Dowd said. “We didn’t have that many food trucks either. We have them this year and we’ll even have Irish food, which is exciting.”
They will also have a sanctioned hurling event with teams coming from Wisconsin, hurling demonstrations, women’s Gaelic football, Irish dancing demonstrations and karaoke contests.
As a public service, they will have a drop box set up on Saturday where attendees can dispose of unused prescription medications.
Co-chairman Terry O’Dowd said they wanted the summer event to have a bit of the feel of St. Patrick’s Day. After getting their feet wet last year, the couple is helping plan a reunion they think will be a lot of fun, they said.
“We want to have fun like St. Patrick’s Day,” Terry O’Dowd said. “There are quite a few Irish people in the community and in the surrounding towns and counties. We want to showcase Irish culture, whether it’s dance, music or merchandise. It’s a way to expand what Irish culture is all about.”
On Friday on the main stage, Cirrus Falcon performs at 2.45pm, followed by the McNulty School of Irish Dance at 4pm, the Boils at 5pm, Paddy Homan and the Noble Call at 6.30pm and the Bow Tides at 8:00. p.m
Friday on the Platform Stage, Bentley Academy of Irish Dance continues at 3pm, Naperville Firefighter Highland Guard Pipes and Drums at 3:45pm, Young Musicians at 4:15pm, Learn the Jig with the McNulty School of Irish Dance at 5:30 p.m. Karaoke Contest at 7 p.m.
Saturday on the main stage, the McNulty School of Irish Dance performs at noon, the Fire Fighter’s Highland Guard of Naperville Pipes and Drums at 12:45 p.m., Murphy Roche at 1 p.m., the Kilgubbin Irish Music Allstars at 2 p.m.: 30, the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance at 4:00 p.m., Chicago Reel at 5:00 p.m., Cicada Summer at 6:30 p.m. and Sense U2 at 8:00 p.m.
On the platform stage on day two, Yoga with Karin begins at noon, followed by the Hogan Academy of Dance at 1 p.m., Library Storytime at 2 p.m., the Highland Guard at Naperville Firefighter Pipes and Drums at 3:15 p.m. , Learn the Jig with the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance at 6 p.m. and a karaoke contest at 7 p.m.
On the Harp and Fiddle stage on Saturday, John Condron performs at 2pm and the Chicago Irish School at 5pm.
Tickets are $15 per adult for one day or $25 for a two-day package. Children 15 and under are free. Proceeds from the party will go to various charities.
For more information, go to wsirish.org.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
