By Charlene Corson Selbee
The Irish music reaches the depth of your soul and will have your feet stomping and your body waving to the fast-paced music. You might jump up out of your seat and start dancing the jig. Plenty of Irish music will be at the 18th Annual Irishfest in La Crosse, Wis., August 11-13.
Photo courtesy of Irishfest La Crosse
Say hi to the green and orange-clad with red hair leprechaun, Clancy, and don’t forget to take a selfie with him. He will be roaming the fest grounds all three days.
There will be many free activities for the Wee Folks, including an arcade for 10-year-olds and up. Watching the little ones is sure to be fun!
There are also highland games for the adults, a tug-of-war competition, a mashed potato eating contest, Irish Road bowling, and a fiddle contest.
Don your kilts and register for Killian’s 5K Kilt Run/Walk Saturday at 10 a.m.
Purchase a raffle ticket or two for a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland, a 2024 Irishfest La Crosse VIP weekend package for two, or a beautiful Irish theme quilt.
The annual fest offers a unique opportunity to research your Irish roots. Suppose this is your first attempt at genealogy. In that case, volunteers from the La Crosse Area Genealogical Society will be available to help you, and the La Crosse Public Library archives provide access to library resources on the internet and at the local library.
The vendor’s market sports everything from Irish sportswear, jewelry, sweaters made in Ireland, kilts, belts, footwear, fairy and dragon figurines, Irish silver and pewter pendants, bracelets, face painting, body art, glitter tattoos, jewelry, bags, Irish gifts, and one-of-a-kind items made from used whiskey barrels.
Rumor has it you want to make sure you sample all the tasty food available onsite.
Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend:
•August 10, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.
•August 10-13, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.
•August 11-13, Irish Fest, La Crosse, Wis.
•August 11-13, Fish Days, Lansing, Iowa
•August 11-13, Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa
•August 11-13, Millville Valley River Days, Millville, Minn
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
