Irish eyes will be smiling during church's annual festival
All the excitement is not going to be in China, Minnesota or Colorado - a little of it is going to be right in our own backyard in West Dundee at the intersection of routes 31 and 72, when St. Catherine of Siena hosts the popular Fox Valley Irish Festival. You know things will be authentic when its two resident priests are named Doherty and Doyle.
The Irish Fest will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. today; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. The Fest takes place rain or shine and all events are outdoors under the main tent.
Daily admission is $8; a two-day pass is $13; and a three-day pass is $20. Children under 12 are free with a paid adult and senior citizens admission is $6.
Last year more than 6,000 people enjoyed the weekend filled with toe-tapping Irish music and dancing, delicious food featuring the best of Irish culture, shopping and entertainment for all ages. This year you can munch everything from corned beef and cabbage to hot dogs and chips while listening to a lively line up of musical entertainers highlighted on Friday by Solid-Aire; Larkin and Moran Brothers, Emerald Underground, Seven Nations, Brigid's Cross and the Anon Mor Irish Dancers on Saturday; and the Elders, Celtic Aires, Chicago Celtic Bagpipers, Joe Cullen, Kathleen Keane and Bua and the Mayer School of Irish Dance on Sunday.
The Reverend Karl Langsdorf of the St. Patrick Fathers will preside over a Gaelic Mass under the tent at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Doors will open at 10:45 a.m. Admission to the Fox Valley Irish Festival at Mass is free with a donation of food that will be given to the local FISH food pantry.
For more information on the Irish Fest, the special programs for children, Irish Marketplace vendors and dining opportunities, visit the Web site www.foxvalleyirishfest.com or call (847) 426-2217.
Special Memorial Tribute: In memory of Mr. T. Doyle Heffron, the beloved director of the Dundee Scots, a memorial tribute will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6th at the Fox Valley Irish Fest. The service will begin with music provided by several original Dundee Scots members, including pipers and brass in the lower level of St. Catherine of Siena Church with fellowship and audio-video presentation. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the festival.
Heffron directed the Dundee Scots for 14 years, marching many victories home to Dundee. Included in the long list of first place trophies were St. Petersburg 1975, Traverse City 1974 and 1975, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1976. Heffron and the Dundee Scots were a unique group and the dedication the members displayed was evident in the band's rank and file both on and off the field. The band was supported by the Dundee Scot Band Boosters (remember those hoagies?), parents, friends and private donations that enabled travel to Winnipeg, Canada, Traverse City, Mich., St. Petersburg, Fla. and many cities in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Judy Heffron, along with the couple's children Matt, Kelly, Holly and Terry, will be accepting the memorial from the Scots. The band has chosen a special vase etched with Scottish piper by Haeger Potteries Inc. to commemorate a man who touched many lives as a teacher, director, leader and friend. Heffron's idea to dress the band in full Scottish attire was well-received by the audience and the judges. His military precision and discipline while working with the Scots taught the members many life lessons that have carried forward and will never be forgotten.
A contribution will be made from former Dundee Scots members to the St. Catherine of Siena Music Program in honor of Doyle Heffron. You are invited to come to the memorial service to celebrate the life of T. Doyle Heffron, with grateful thanks. For more information, email DUNDEESCOTS@gmail.com; or visit http://dundeescots.googlepages.com.