Everyone's Irish at Mount Prospect fest

With temperatures finally in the 70s and the rain holding off, people came out in droves Saturday afternoon for the 3rd Annual Irish Fest in downtown Mount Prospect.

The crowd was entertained by some of Chicago's top Celtic musicians playing Irish music along with traditional dancing by Trinity Academy of Irish Dance.

One of the dancers was 15-year-old Colin Olsen of Poplar Grove, one of three boys among some 60 girls in the troupe. "Dancing with the girls in the troupe is a wonderful experience because they are so professional," he said.

Emcee Judi Schuch of Arlington Heights agreed, adding, "Colin brings a lot of energy to the troupe. We're very proud of him."

Four-year-old Garrett Zach of Palatine was part of the crowd watching the dance troupe, which includes his sister Clare. The best part, he said, is "looking at all the pretty costumes."

An assortment of Irish souvenirs, gifts, food and Irish beer rounded out the event.

"I'm visiting my Irish cousins today in Mount Prospect," Meg McIlwee of Wilmette said. "With a name like McIlwee, I'm pretty Irish."