Event Director Eddie McGowan announced the 2nd Annual 2012 Annapolis Irish Festival will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 11am. 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 right here in Annapolis.
Responding to their success in 2011, 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. “Our Family Pavilion was full from the time we opened until we closed at 4pm,” said 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. We will have pony rides, Kids Music Show by Irelands 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. Three Internationally acclaimed Celtic Rock Bands join us this year; 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. Hometown Favorite The Rovers, Barleyjuice, Ice Wagon Flu, those hot Lassies Screaming Orphans, Kilmaine Saints, Crossing Celtic, Seamus Kennedy, Brian Gaffeny and Brendans Voyage, The New Century , Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes and Drums and The Hunt and Culkins Schools of Irish Dance will all entertain from morning t’il night.
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 us on facebook or at www.annapolisirishfestival.com.
