Arlington Heights Irish Fest moves inside

Irish Fest opened on schedule Saturday in Arlington Heights, but organizers had to deal with saturated grounds from Friday's storms, and the potential for more rain.

They are running a shortened version, from 4-5:30 p.m. on the Arlington Heights Museum grounds, 110 W. Fremont St., offering authentic food, cultural displays, and Irish music. Admission to this portion is free.

However, they decided to move the evening's main entertainment --- the Larkin and Moran Brothers, and Elevation, a U-2 tribute band --- to Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub, 8 N. Vail Ave. in downtown Arlington Heights.

Larkin and Moran Brothers will perform their mix of traditional Irish folk and pub songs from 6 to 7 p.m., while Elevation performs from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. An $8 cover charge will be taken at the door, with proceeds to benefit the museum's programming.

A drawing for winners of the Irish Raffle will take place at 8:15 p.m., when patrons have the chance to win a top prize of a six-night bed and breakfast stay in Ireland, as well as sports tickets, an Irish lace shawl, and select bicycles.

"We were worried about the stage and the sound system holding up," said Cathy Robertson, festival organizer.

Crowds descended on the festival for its opening on Friday, only to be ushered inside when thunder and lightning struck during the storm. Barely two hours into the festival, park district officials decided to call it a night, citing safety of fans and the performers in the open-air event.

They hope to bring Friday's featured band, Brigid's Cross out of northeast Ohio, back in the fall for a concert to replace their Irish Fest gig, and exclusive Chicago area performance.

"It's amazing how much everyone is pulling together," Robertson added. "It's been challenging, but we're making the most of it."