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19th annual Irish Fest returns to Arlington Heights

A bit of Ireland will return to the Northwest Suburbs this week when the Arlington Heights Historical Museum holds its 19th annual Irish Fest.

“We're sticking with the tried and true,” this year, said Lauren Szady, the museum's program coordinator. “We're changing up the bands a bit; we've got Mike & Joe back.”

The festival takes place from 4:30 (gates open at 4:15) to 11 p.m. Friday, July 13, and 4 (gates open at 3:30) to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the museum grounds, corner of Euclid and Vail, Arlington Heights. Admission is $5 for adults; free for children 14 and younger on Friday; free for children 2 and younger on Saturday; $3 for children 3-14 on Saturday.

The festival's highlights include entertainment, food and drink.

Friday's Main Stage lineup includes Jimmy Keane at 5 p.m., Trinity Irish Dancers at 6:45 p.m., Mulligan Stew at 7:30 p.m. and Exit 147 at 9 p.m.

Saturday's performers include McNulty Irish Dancers at 4 p.m., Small Potatoes at 4:45 p.m., Big League Boys at 7 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 9 p.m.

For families with young children, the Wee Folk Tent, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, will give kids a chance to create balloon art and Irish crafts, play historical and modern games and win prizes.

Food and drink options will include Irish specialties such as corned beef sandwiches from Harrington's, Szady said, as well as beer and wine. The museum will also sell Arlington Club beverage soda in flavors such as sarsaparilla, lime, strawberry and lemonade.

It is somewhat rare for a festival of this size to take place on the grounds of museum, according to Szady.

“The focus of the event is still on the museum; we want people to be aware that they're on historic grounds,” she said.

All proceeds from the Irish Fest benefit the Historical Museum and help to fund educational programs, permanent and traveling exhibits, local historical artifacts and research library as well as programs and events in its historic buildings including the Banta House, the Muller House, the Heritage Gallery and Shop, Coach House and Log Cabin.

Volunteers — individuals and groups — are needed for the festival. Those interested in volunteering can call (847) 255-1225.

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