College Times

Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Calendar

Media Credit: Ryan Ruiz Chrissy Zubieta (left) and Shari West, both of Phoenix, have beers during the Arizona Irish Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix last year.

Captivated by the Irish culture but unable to book an expensive ticket to Ireland? The ninth annual Arizona Irish Festival has got you covered. On Halloween day, central Phoenix celebrates the luck of the Irish and invites everyone to a cultural experience - so get your Irish on!

Take a stroll thought Margaret T. Hance Park where you will see Irish entertainment, food, music and dances of all sorts. The food court calls out to all Irish food lovers or even those wanting to experience a different cuisine. Some selections of Irish grub include meat pies, corned beef and cabbage, Irish tea, whiskies, scones and much more. For those not quite in the 'bizarre foods' mood, there is traditional fair food like hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches and more.

Pubs, vendors, art displays and presentations will be scattered everywhere. Visitors have the opportunity to learn the story of the Irish in America, trace back their Celtic roots or even learn traditional lace making. Some children's activities include costume contests, parades, trick or treating at the booths, faerie face painters and balloon animal classes.

Unique prizes will be offered at the silent auction and the winner of the raffle at the end of the day will get to be part of the ultimate Irish experience - a trip to Ireland!

Those 21 and up can participate in the Bushmills Best Irish Toast contest, which offers $500 for the best toast. Get out there with your funny, wise or sarcastic personalities and toast away! Winners will be determined by creativity, verbal skills, character and audience reactions. Also, Bushmill Irish Whiskey Tasting will be held for those to enjoy blended or single malt beverages.

Shoppers can expect to find antique Irish merchandise, gifts and souvenirs. There will be demonstrations on making a Brack (a traditional Irish Halloween bread) and even an Irish Bodran (drum). Browse the Irish crystal exhibition, listen to traditional Irish music and stories of Irish legend. Costumes are encouraged.

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