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Dancing takes center stage at Arlington Heights Irish Fest

  A large crowd watches The Hogan Irish Dancers perform at the Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, Aug. 9, 2024. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum opened their doors and yard to hundreds for the annual Irish Fest Friday evening at 110 W. Fremont St. in downtown Arlington Heights.

The Hogan Irish Dancers opened the festivities with performances by dancers as young as 4 years old. Groups performed the traditional dance style known for its fast-paced footwork and limited upper body movement while parents recorded cellphone video and cheered them on.

They were followed on stage by Bohola, a traditional Irish band of guitars and accordions. Classical Blast in Kilts closed the stage show with Irish violin and guitar music.

  The Hogan Irish Dancers perform as young dancers watch from stage right at the Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, Aug. 9, 2024. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

All the while a Leprechaun character from Acrodazzle Entertainment roamed the grounds, engaging festivalgoers who wore green beaded necklaces and ate green marshmallows from the Chicago Marshmallow Company.

  A leprechaun character tries to get children to join him at the Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, Aug. 9, 2024. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

The Historical Museum was open and the free event drew a large crowd from 5-10 p.m. It was the first of three weekend events at the museum sponsored by the Arlington Heights Park District. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, the Heritage Fest features The Internationals, Barefoot Hawaiian, Black History Through Dance and Aztec Dance Chicago. Then, from 5 to 10 tonight, Bands and Brews features a pig roast, games and live performances by VIBE Dancers, Abby Kay Band and Exit 147 The Band.

Visit ahpd.org.

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