Long Grove does Labor Day weekend with an Irish twist

Irish was a state of mind Monday on the final day of Long Grove's Irish Days festival in the village's historic downtown.

Hundreds of people crammed into Fountain Square to listen to the live music from bands including the Shannon Rovers Bagpipe and Drum band, while others sampled cuisine and cold beverages from the Emerald Isle. Large crowds also perused local boutiques and stores that stayed opened for the holiday weekend.

Cezary Kolodziej, of Deer Park, enjoyed the event with relatives and friends visiting from Canada.

"We thought we would come and check it out," Kolodziej said. "We're Polish, so the Irish are close to us when it comes to beer and music."

Kolodziej said he would try the Irish sausage.

"I am told it tastes just like Polish sausage," he said.

Food and beverages were also a major draw for the Del Rio family, who traveled from Aurora to enjoy the festival with relatives.

"This was a childhood festival for me growing up in Wheeling," said Nikki Del Rio, who was enjoying the bagpipes in Fountain Square with her husband, Rafael Del Rio, and their four children. "My favorite part is the music."

While Dad enjoyed a beer, Maddie Hernandez, 10, said she was a fan of the lemonade, as well as the cheesy fries. Maddie said she also wanted to try the famous fish and chips.

But her sister, Jocelyn Del Rio, 12, said the Irish dancers were the most entertaining.

"I like how they are dressed and their hair and the way they move their feet," Jocelyn said.

In addition to the music and food, the festival named the Irish Dog contest winners and also featured readings by Irish authors and performances from local and internationally recognized Irish dancers.