Hoffman Estates proud to bring back Celtic Fest
The Village of Hoffman Estates is bringing back its Celtic Fest event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway.
A celebration of Celtic heritage, the second annual Celtic Fest will include a stage with live Celtic entertainment, Celtic vendors, an indoor soccer tournament, a golf clinic, Celtic cuisine, live music and a Scotch and beer tasting.
The word “Celtic” is often used to describe people of the Celtic nations (Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales), as well as their respective cultures and languages. The village invites guests to enjoy a full day of games, music, crafts and food.
“This event appeals to a wide range of guests thanks to the wonderful array of family-friendly activities,” said Mayor William D. McLeod. “Last year’s Celtic Fest was a great success, and we hope to build on that success with an even better festival this year.”
Celtic Fest Commission Chairman Beth Raffety added, “We’ve made some minor changes to the festival for 2013, including more live music and additional time for our popular golf and soccer clinics.”
Children will be glad to see a climbing wall available once again just outside of the arena. There will also be children’s games available on the arena concourse. The games will be managed by volunteers from local nonprofit t organizations.
Representatives from the Chicago Scots will be on-hand with genealogy experts, as well as the Heather Queen of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society.
Soccer and golf activities: The Hoffman United Soccer Club (HUSC) will kick off the day with a soccer tournament. After the tournament, HUSC will host a free soccer clinic for all skill levels. The clinic will provide coaching on dribbling, passing and shooting. There will also be three-on-three mini games.
For those interested in the Celtic sport of golf, there will be a golf clinic hosted by the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. The clinic will include driving range stations and putting greens on the arena floor. Guest golfers will be able to brush up on their swing and putting techniques with one-on-one coaching by the pros.
Fundraiser: There will also be a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which is a childhood cancer charity. Hoffman Estates Police officer Pete Edgar and his wife, Sarah, are sponsoring a booth to raise funds and register shavees for their own St. Baldrick’s event May 11. Celtic Fest guests can sign up, buy promotional items or donate directly to St. Baldrick’s. St. Baldrick’s will also offer face painting and hair feathers as a part of their fundraising efforts.
Live Celtic entertainment: Back after popular demand, the festival will feature Celtic music and dance. From Scottish dancers to a musical group called Cirrus Falcon performing Irish favorites, Celtic Fest will showcase some of the best live entertainment in the Chicago area.
The Sears Centre Arena is in the “Poplar Creek at 59/90” Entertainment District in western Hoffman Estates. For a complete schedule of events and the latest festival updates, visit www.hoffmanestates.org/celtic or call (847) 781-2606.
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