Wanted more Irish out of Arlington's Irish Fest

As the old saying goes, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. Two thumbs-down for the organizers of this year's "Irish Fest" in Arlington Heights.

There were the bagpipers and the Irish step dancers and all the Irish paraphernalia for sale. And the Guinness was flowing (although it was lukewarm).

Then there was the rock band that took the stage for Friday evening's main entertainment.

Now, I can understand that it might be difficult to find good quality Irish musicians on March 17th. But on July 16th? When asked about the odd choice in entertainment, one fest official stated that the lead singer was from Northern Ireland. Well, so is U2, but I don't put them on when I want to listen to Irish music.

We left, graciously leaving behind some additional seating for the decidedly non-Irish music seeking crowd that had gathered in front of the stage (blocking the view of those who'd arrived earlier in the evening and had blankets or chairs on the grass).

On a more positive note, I'm positive we won't be wasting our time when the "Irish" Fest rolls around next summer. Just call it a summer fest, guys. Or a pig.

John Patrick Sullivan

Arlington Heights