Dublin Irish Festival
The Dublin Irish Festival is an annual music and cultural festival held in Dublin, Ohio. It takes place during the first weekend of August, attracting over 100,000 visitors to eight entertainment stages on 29 acres (120,000 m2) in and beyond Coffman Park.[1] Activities include Irish and other Celtic music, genealogy, food and drink, dance, cultural exhibits, games, sports, arts and crafts, and children's activities. The Dublin Irish Festival Academy offers a variety of classes led by DIF performers highlighting Irish music and culture. The event, produced and supported by the City of Dublin, is the largest 3-day Irish Festival on the planet. The Columbus Feis, an internationally renowned Irish dance competition, occurs every year at the same time as the Irish Festival.[2] The 2021 Dublin Irish Festival took place on August 6–8. This festival will mark 38 years. The main attractions play at stages located throughout Coffman Park, including the Guinness Celtic Rock Stage, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Dublin Stage, The Memorial Tournament Trinity Stage, Giant Eagle Irish Thunder Stage, G & J Pepsi Shamrock Stage, Celtic Music House, Wendy's Wee Folk Stage and the Cardinal Health Ceili Dance Stage.[3] HistoryThe Irish Festival began in 1988 with a handful of dancers and a band known as the Irish Brigade. At that time, it took place on a tennis court. In 1992, the City of Dublin became the main sponsor of the Festival. In 1993, attendance surpassed 10,000. On the Irish Festival's 10th anniversary, in 1997, attendees set the Guinness Book of World Records' record for the Largest Irish Jig. On the Irish Festival's 15th anniversary, in 2002, attendance reached 70,000. 2002 also marked Flogging Molly's debut concert at the Irish Festival. In 2009, attendance exceeded 100,000 for the first time. The world renowned Richens-Timm Academy of Irish Dance is the only entertainer who has performed every year at the festival since its inception in 1988 and is festival favorite among many attendees. The 2020 festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the 35th was deferred to 2022. ActivitiesWee Folk Area Celtic Canines AwardsIn 2006, the Festival was awarded an EXPY from Experience Columbus. The 2007 Festival was recognized by the International Festivals and Events Association[5] with the Silver Grand Pinnacle Award, recognizing top events in the world. It was also selected by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 events for 2009.[6] The 2011 Irish Festival was honored with 7 International Festival and Events Association Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. The Festival received gold in Best New Single Sponsor Program, Best TV Promotion Ad Spot and Best Merchandise. Silver in Best Social Media Site and Best T-shirt Design. Also the Festival took bronze in Best Individual Sponsorship Program and Best Single Magazine Display Ad.[7] References
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