Biggest ever Irish America Festival to entertain thousands for FREE
THIS year’s Irish America festival is the biggest yet with Bagatelle, Jack L, a Strongest woman in Ireland competition and a health and fitness festival taking place in the town over the first weekend of July.
The festival celebrates the strong links the New Ross area has with America through the Kennedy family, on one of the biggest American public holidays, the Fourth of July.
The town’s shops will be sporting the red, white and blue of the star spangled banner throughout the weekend.
Organised by New Ross & District Chamber of Commerce and New Ross Municipal District council, the festival will take place from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.
Ireland’s answer to the traditional U.S. Fourth of July holiday celebrations lies in New Ross again this year. Festivalgoers can celebrate the birth of the U.S. nation with three days filled with fun activities on offer for all the family.
Festival highlights include a main stage at Pearse Park with music from Bagatelle, Jack L, local acts the Carty Sisters and the Ocelots.
Alongside the superb music programme A `Ross Food and Craft Fest’ will also be on offer daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where visitors can meander the quayside and enjoy a taste of local produce and exclusive craft creations. Ireland’s Marionette Puppet Theatre will present two free shows of ‘Red Riding Hood’ at St Michael’s Theatre on the Saturday.
On Sunday, July 2, the `Picnic in the Park’ takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with local acts and dance groups.
New Ross & District Chamber CEO Teresa Delaney said: `Families are invited to come along and enjoy games, carnival and entertainment, and of course bring a picnic and enjoy the Leinster final on a big screen.’
Talented headline acts Bagatelle will take to the main stage in the town park on the Saturday night supported by the Carty Sisters and Jack L will perform on the Sunday nights, supported by Wexford town group The Ocelots.
The Republic of Ireland’s Strongest Woman 2017 competition is taking place also in the park. This event is being organised by New Ross strongman Nicky Whelan.
New Ross Health & Fitness festival will also take place in the town over the weekend. Its organisers said it is about participation, feeling good and most importantly having fun.
`This amazing fitness and health event is designed for everyone. Many fitness and health instructors, clubs, businesses will be involved to ensure you have an amazing day. So whether you’re an everyday exerciser or you’re completely green on the fitness scene, you’re sure to find a fitness event to suit the whole family.’
The main festival is being funded through a €15,000 grant from New Ross Municipal District and Wexford County Council, while €2,000 is coming from Fáilte Ireland.
The events are free and everyone is invited to come along for what will be the big weekend in New Ross over the summer months.
‘On behalf of the New Ross & District Chamber I would like to thank personally our sponsors whom continue to support this annual event.’