Ever since Canalside began picking up steam, Kevin Townsell felt that it would be the perfect spot to hold the Buffalo Irish Festival. Being the Festival Chair, Kevin anticipated that renewed excitement at the Inner Harbor would draw a whole new crowd of festival-goers, while past fans of the two-day affair would love enjoy celebrating the waterfront’s history and how the Irish helped to shape the spirit of Buffalo. According to Townsell, “As a cultural Festival promoting Irish Heritage, I don’t think you could find a more appropriate setting as Canalside to celebrate the contributions of the Irish in Buffalo. We are thrilled to host the Festival in this venue that will offer a strong historical tie-in, as well as a beautiful and convenient setting.”
After making its debut in the city with a one-time stint at The Statler, the festival finally made it to the site that it had been jockeying for – Canalside. Chalk up one more major event for the waterfront. After witnessing first hand the German Festival at Canalside last October (see post), I am sure that the Irish Festival will be just as much fun. Here’s what you can expect come August:
August 24-26, 2012
-Three stages of continuous Irish entertainment from the US, Canada and Ireland
-At the terminus of the Erie Canal in Downtown Buffalo!
-Original Irish-American historical theater production
-Traditional music, folk music, step- and set-dancing
-Genealogy experts on hand for personal guidance
-25-30 national touring shops of exclusively Irish goods and crafts
-Irish authors and book signings
-Traditional Irish foods and beverages, much of it imported from Ireland
-Raffle to win a trip for two to Ireland
-History of the Irish in Buffalo in display, maps and theater
-Souvenir festival shirts
-Sunday morning bi-lingual Catholic mass, 10:30am this year
-Opening Parade of the 32 County Flags of Ireland, Friday at 5:30pm
