Celtic call
Family-friendly festival to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in advance
The luck of the Irish is coming a little early to the Duke City.
The ShamRock Fest 2016 will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the AndersonAbruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
The family-friendly event in advance of St. Patrick’s Day, which is Thursday, March 17, will feature two stages of music and dance, with some of the area’s favorites, including High Desert Pipes and Drums, Celtic Singers of New Mexico, Shenanigans, Ansolver Family Band, Watermelon Mountain Jug Band, McTeggart Irish Dancers and Tir Conaill Academy.
Celtic-themed food will abound, with food trucks from Scottish Pie Shop, Cheesy Street, Greg’s BBQ, Basil’s Home Cooking and Irrational Pies bringing the aromas and tastes from the Emerald Isle. Beer, wine and spirits will be available, courtesy of O’Niell’s pub and Guinness.
Children will have plenty of choices, with arts and crafts presided over by the IrishAmerican Society, hands-on building with Home Depot, jump houses, adventure rides, face painting and other fun.
Celtic Long Ears and the Greyhound Connection will bring live animals and important information about our animal friends.
Handmade crafts and other products will be available for sale, and at Pot o’ Gold you can bid on your favorite lucky charm at the silent auction inside the Museum. Funds raised will benefit High Desert Pipes and Drums.
According to organizers, hands-on demonstrations by groups like NM Celtic Athletics, the Albuquerque Fiber Arts Council, Albuquerque Gaelic Football and the Society for Creative Anachronism swordsmen will offer both learning and entertainment as they show their expertise.
The event is sponsored by the city of Albuquerque and High Desert Pipes and Drums.