Thunderstorms force Irish Fest to close tonight

Tonight's night's storms forced officials with the Arlington Heights Park District to cancel the opening night of Irish Fest.

They hope to reschedule the evening's featured band, Brigid's Cross, in a concert later in the fall, organizer Cathy Robertson said.

Saturday's festival should run from 4 to 11 p.m. as planned, on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St. Isolated storms are predicted through the afternoon, are expected to clear by late Saturday afternoon or evening. Festivities Saturday include live Irish music, step dancers and pipe bands, as well as authentic food and drink, vendors and cultural displays. It all builds toward Saturday night's performance at 8:30 p.m. by Elevation, a U-2 tribute band.