Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
The biggest Irish festival on the East Coast takes place in North Wildwood each year, and it is set to return Sept. 22-25.
Each year, the Ancient Order of Hibernians organizes this celebration of Irish traditions, attracting thousands of people – some celebrating their Irish ancestors and some simply basking in their wonderful and welcoming culture. This is one of the most popular events of the year in North Wildwood, attracting several thousand people.
Peter O’Neil has Irish roots and describes the festival as a great way to reconnect with his heritage,
“I have never had the opportunity to go to Ireland, so this is a great way for me to learn more about the culture of my ancestors,” said O’Neil. “I always make sure I can go and eat some of the awesome food and listen to the amazing performances. I am still working up the confidence to try the bagpipes myself.”
On Thursday, Sept. 22, the festivities will commence with a round of golf at the Cape May National Golf Course (Route 9 and Fairway Drive, Cape May Court House). If you register before Sept.8, the fee is $120. Afterwards it goes up to $130. So, take advantage of the reduced price and register as soon as possible.
The price includes the green fee and cart, dinner, and refreshments, and there will be several prizes up for grabs for longest drive, closest to the pin, winning team, and many other giveaways.
For the remainder of the weekend, the celebration will move to Olde New Jersey Avenue where there will be an assortment of street vendors displaying Irish memorabilia, and food vendors serving up a selection of Irish and non-Irish dishes.
The activities will begin early, from 8 a.m., and go on throughout the day until 7 p.m.
Saturday begins with the annual 5K run which costs $25 to enter before Sept. 11, and $30 after. If you register before Sept. 11, you are guaranteed a t-shirt.
You can also register on the day of the race starting from 8 a.m. at the AOH tent (between 1st and 2nd avenues) on Olde New Jersey Avenue. To register for the race, visit runsignup.com.
On Saturday at 10 a.m., the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition will take place at Bill Henfey Park (8th and Central avenues, North Wildwood). The performance will be by Brian Boru Pipes and Drums, an Irish band comprised of volunteers of all ages who all share a love for playing the bagpipes or drums. This performance is not to be missed.
There will also be free Irish dance lessons at the Elks Lodge (Chestnut and Olde New Jersey avenues) between 10 a.m. and noon.
Anyone is welcome to come along and learn the traditional Irish jig from some professionals and go home with a skill to show off at your next party.
Free live entertainment will be available on Friday and Saturday from noon until 8:30 p.m., with the national anthem being sung at noon.
Featured artists include Brothers McGillian who will start the show on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. There will also be performances by Broken Shillelaghs, Birmingham 6, Timmy Kelly, Natterjacks, Robbie and Tim, and Ballina.
There will be performances from Irish schools of dance on both days including Emerald Isle School of Dance, Peters School of Dance, and Shades of Green Schools of Dance, each bringing their own entertaining style to showcase to the crowd.
There is an open invitation to everyone wanting to celebrate Catholic Mass on Sunday at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in the Notre dame de la Mer Parish (Glenwood and Atlantic avenues) at 10:30 a.m..
A procession will start in the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Honor Guard, and a liturgical bagpiper soloist.
Then, on Sunday at 12:30, a parade will begin on 20th and Surf avenues, continuing on to Spruce and Olde New Jersey avenues. Special guest Seamus Boyle, the past national president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, will be in attendance. The parade will feature bagpipe bands, Irish dance groups, fraternal organizations, and much more.
Irish themed food and entertainment will be on offer at most pubs and clubs in North Wildwood across the entire weekend, so make sure to check out what each place has to offer.
The event itself is free to attend, making it a fun day out for the whole family. Jitney buses will be providing transport, making a loop from 3rd avenue, south along New Jersey Avenue to 26th Avenue, then north to Surf Avenue and back to 3rd. They will be running their buses on both Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. until midnight.
For more information and to stay up to date with the latest activities, check out their official website: https://cmcaoh.com/festival.html.
For an event schedule see https://wildwoodvideoarchive.com/north-wildwood-irish-fall-festival-schedule-2022/
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
