For any Chicago area Irish friends (or non-Irish, for that matter)

[Maeve]

The summer Irish festival season kicks off this weekend at the 23rd Gaelic Park Irish Fest (website: http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/Irish_Fest/) And I'm coming in from Ohio to bring a display of the Irish Wake (nothing serious--just a going away party!) I'll also be doing some storytelling. I'd be happy to meet any of you that stop by!

And thanks to greatauntoftriplets for suggesting I post this :hi:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

1. Hey Maeve that's great!!!!

I'm not exactly sure which of the days I'll be out at Gaelic Park but I will definitely stop by to see you. I'd say it will be either Saturday or Sunday but like I said I'm not sure. It really all depends on the weather. If it looks like it's going to rain, I'll probably not bother going out but if it's decent I'll be out for sure. Which stage or tent are you going to be in?

[Maeve]

3. I'll be telling in the Cultural Tent, but almost all the time you can find me

Nearby in the Wake Tent. It's a new exhibit for Chicago this year, a recreation of a home wake circa 1898, with displays and explanations of the traditions and folkways. A good wake, like a good Irish festival, had stories, music, games, food, drink, songs, more drink and the occasional tear...

And please tell me it's not going to rain too much for the holiday weekend!

[mopinko]

2. oh, man

i just have too much to do this weekend. i have never made it to this fest. i sure would like to go. especially since there is a genealogy tent, and i need a few more things to apply for dual citizenship. (been on my to-do-list a little to long.)

i will be home working on my house for most of the weekend. drat.

[Peregrine Took]

4. We had a great time there about 10+ years ago. It was raining and cold...

my husband bought me a long sleeved sweat shirt and we went to see Christy Moore.

He had been sitting in the audience in the damp and cold like the rest of us and suddenly bounded onto the stage when it was his turn to perform.

What an evening. He is a musical genius.