The Annapolis Irish Festival – on Saturday, July 14 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds – has boosted the entertainment this year with some of the best bands in the business.
The 2011 inaugural Irish Festival was a huge success, surpassing all expectations. Over 10,000 people from Maryland and as far away as Kansas and Scotland, enjoyed a bit of the Emerald Isle in Annapolis.
Responding to this success, the footprint for the 2012 Festival has been enlarged to make room for more vendors, a larger “Little Leprechaun Land” and a third stage for additional Traditional and Celtic Bands. Gates will open at 11am.
“Our Family Pavilion was full from the time we opened until we closed at 4pm,” said Event Director Eddie McGowan. “This year, we are pleased to announce that Little Leprechaun Land will be presented by Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. A few of the theme park’s animal ambassadors will make a special appearance and visitors will have an opportunity to win a trip for four to the Williamsburg theme park. We are thrilled to have Busch Gardens on board and the centerpiece of our Family Pavilion.”
There will be pony rides, Kids Music Show by Ireland’s own Seamus Kennedy, Irish Step Dance Lessons and other entertainers, face painters, magicians, balloon artists, crafts and amusements – all under cover and free.
The 2012 Festival boasts an incredible music line-up. Joining a number of hometown favorites this year will be three internationally acclaimed Celtic Rock Bands: Scythian – Celtic Rock with an Edge, Albannach bringing the” Fire and Thunder of Scotland” to Annapolis, and The Rogues, voted the #1 Celtic Band Worldwide.
The Annapolis Irish Festival benefits the good work of Hospice of the Chesapeake, The Chesapeake Bay Trust, SPCA of Anne Arundel and the Wellness House. For more information, visit the Festival on facebook or at www.annapolisirishfestival.com.
For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.