Saturday, August 31, 2013

Irish Thought for August 31...

Irish Symbols

Whorls

Representing the circular journey through birth, death, and spiritual rebirth, the convoluted spirals of Irish whorls suggest eternal life.  Perhaps suggested by native seashells, the whorls appear on the most famous of Ireland's artistic treasures and much modern Celtic-inspired jewelry.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Breaking Irish Fest Kids News!!!

Get a Free Gift

We are giving away a free gift to any young one who goes to the Children's Area Merchandise Tent and says the code words Grace O'Malley.  You might be expected to know something about her (best bet is that she was a famous Irish pirate).

Here is a little blurb about her for a fact or two - otherwise, search the internet!!!!!

Grace O'Malley (c. 1530 – c. 1603; also Gráinne O'Malley,[1] Irish: Gráinne Ní Mháille) was Queen of Umaill, chieftain of the Ó Máille clan and a pirate in 16th-century Ireland. She is commonly known by her nickname Granuaile in Irish folklore, and a historical figure in 16th-century Irish history, and is sometimes known as "The Sea Queen of Connaught

Final Pre-Irish Fest Post...

The Pirate and Fairy Theme

Pirates and Fairies
Our massive Kid’s Area this year will focus on activities in the world of Pirates and Fairies!

Some Famous Irish Pirates
Grace O’Malley
Edward England

What are Irish Fairies?
When most of you think fairies, you think they are female and something like a sprite.  Irish Fairies don’t fit into that category.  There are several kinds of Irish Fairies.  All of the live in the Hidden Ireland and while running into some of them may bring a fun experience, you may want to stay away from several of them. Here are a few of them:

Dullahans
Pooka
Changelings
The Grogoch
The Banshee
Leprechauns
The Merrows
The Sidhe

Plus, there are many other fairies we didn’t name

I hope everyone comes down and has a wonderful time this year!!!!  Be sure to remember to cool off when necessary!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

We need to talk about munchies...

GRAND STAND FOOD AND FUN


Let’s walk up the street (Grand) from the Park. If you look, you will see the Snug, now kids we don’t care about the Snug, but Mom and Dad will. If you think of it as a special adult club, in fact that is it; it is a special adult club. So…it is a GREAT place to let Mom and Dad unwind, and while they are there, you can get a soda and figure out where to next, and you can hear all the wonderful music from the Boulevard Stage…pretty neat!
Let’s keep going, there are Food Vendors and Merchandise Vendors Galore, and while I know you will need to get something from the Irish Fest Merchandise tent, you need to keep your tummy happy and your savings in your pocket ready to spend on that wonderful Irish something you can’t resist!
In fact, something really great to tell your parents is they can do all of the Christmas Shopping at Labor Day. I know this wonderful Grandma and Grandpa named Sullivan who did just that. They were with their Grandkids at the Fest and heard “I WANT” and later on they snuck back and got presents. Christmas was so full of surprises and great memories of Irish Fest.
The food, let’s talk about the food. The kids in the KCIF Kid’s Club do a lot of sampling year to year, and just can’t pick out a favorite. Everyone gets a vote depending on what they crave at that moment. Certainly pizza is a favorite, but you can’t beat Old Bag of Nails and Highland Foods, why it is smorgasbord heaven! Nobody in the family will go hungry and all of them will have their own special place. I will tell you a great drink and the Kid’s Club favorite is a Cherry Limeade from Scmieca’s; you haven’t lived until you have had one of those. But our staple for thirst is a good old bottle of water!
The shops and food go all around the fountain level of Crown Center. Let’s move on because I am both hungry and want to go roam in some of the stores…ahh, I know what I want for Christmas!
While you are traveling make notes of Port-a-Potties…you will need one after filling up and it is good to keep track of where they are.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 8

Misc Children’s Information

How do I get there? You BEG Mom and Dad to take you to the children’s area.

How much does it cost? An all day jumpy pass is 10.00 it is good in all of the park areas. You buy those at the ticket booths! Totally worth it!

I can’t jump, I get sick... Well join us all day in the Children’s craft and game or Oddball Kids, or in the bubble tent and don’t miss what is on stage and the parade, should I keep going?

Can I have my Face Painted? Sure the talented Face Painters are doing glitter tats ($4), facepainting ($7) and henna/bodyart ($9 + Depends on the size of the tattoo and the amount of body it goes on).
The Stage Events, admission to Irish Fest and Oddball Kids and all of our game are all absolutely Free.

Am I allowed to Sing? And Dance, what happens in the Children’s Area stays there. Except during the times we let loose there, we dance, sing and play various instruments and noisemakers, and often get caught by some adults like our parents!

What do I do with all that Moola I am going to win? You spend it at the Children’s Market.

You went this whole time and didn’t say you would have balloon guys. Everyone said they were awesome last year. I did talk about them, and just watch for them, they are making some spectacular balloon art both in the park and in the village this year.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 7

The Children’s Stage

You mean to say that the kids don’t have enough; they have to have a special stage. That is for Certain!

You have to just look at the schedule and try to get it all in…every act is a winner for us.

Seamus Kennedy

Seamus Kennedy is an Irish Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Comedian and all-round entertainer plus an Author. He is from Belfast and has been entertaining for over 40 years. The hint here, is the whole family will love him, so you can circle him as a Family entertainer.

Tom Sweeney

Tom Sweeney, from Omagh, Northern Ireland, envelops the very essence of Irish culture into his performances. Inspired by his grandmother, the late Sarah Makem, the great ballad tradition was instilled in him from boyhood. Sweeney carries with him an endless amount of songs, stories, poetry and tunes. His shows run the gamut of emotion, fun and Irish history. Another Hint, the entire family will be enthralled with Tom.

Driscoll School of Irish Dance

Driscoll School of Irish Dance. The Wee Ones will be dancing for us and showing us how Irish Dancing is done. And they will be teaching us about Irish Dance.

This group will make everyone in the family tap your toes and just smile.

The Fanzini Brothers

Guido and Ronaldo will make you laugh, loud and long. And you may see them in the park on a walkabout. Wow. They will delight young and old, so yet we have given you another act that everyone will love!

Barry Fitzgerald

Author, Storyteller, Ghost Hunter, Historian, that is some of what Barry brings to us with his fabulous tales. Is there a need to go on? I certainly don’t think so, we only have Barry for one show, you need to be there!

O'Riada-McCarty-Manning Academy of Irish Dance

O’Riada-McCarty-Manning dancers enjoy having many opportunities to perform throughout the city. In keeping with the Children’s Area theme, this innovative dance team will put Irish Dancing to Fairy Tales.

Please join us for the fun.

Okay, okay, who would not want to see this?

Mr. Stinky Feet

KC’s own Jim Cosgrove? No, I would not recommend anyone under the age of 8 to miss this show!

StoneLion Puppets

We proudly present The Magic Cauldron - Come stir the pot with us and see what spills out in this unique puppet show of Irish spirit. Mermaids, fairies, dancing leprechauns, and even Finn McCool will delight and entertain .

Best Fairy/Best Pirate

You have to be there for this and you have to be a Pirate or a Fairy. The prizes are so awesome, and everyone will think you are totally fabulous in your costume .

Monday, August 26, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 6

Children’s Village

You have entered, the Children’s Village at the North end of the Crown Center Terrace. The hours are open until 9 PM. To enter this place an adult must be accompanied by a child, because we don’t let grownups in by themselves.

Craft Tent

There is so much to do, where do we begin? Let’s begin at the Craft Tent . Run by talented Miss Julie, who owns the wonderful Arts and Crafts place, “Artrageous” and Miss Cassie (who is the Kid’s Club Liaison). This year, they are making Family Crests, you design your own, and so everything you put on the crest should mean something special to you.

And they will be making Pirates and Fairies. Use your

imagination, have fun and make your craft to take home. Word to the wise, let Mom and Dad hold it when you jump!

Bingo/Coloring Tent

Have you ever played KC Irish Fest Bingo ? Yes, it is really Bingo and yes, you win prizes. Look at the schedule above and join us! The KCIF Symbol is the Free Space on the board!

We have coloring in the Children’s Area just like the Wee Ones, and yes, the prizes are by age-group. You know sometimes, you just need to sit and color! It is both relaxing to get off of your feet every now and then, and sometimes you need to let your colors shine.

Wackalaylee

Have you ever seen a Wackalaylee? They come from the same place as the Leprechauns, who shared with us this secret. A wackalaylee is a piñata; yes, really! It is an Irish piñata. And you whack it. So, you save a little bit of your energy and you put a hole in this pirate or fairy and candy and prizes pour out for you to share with you other 100 best friends at the Festival. Obviously everyone wins on this one, and you must be under 13 to play! Sorry adults and teens, if you are good, the kids may share a piece of candy!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Irish Thought for August 25...

Action at the Fest

Meet another Face Artist...


Hi- I’m MJ Matthews, most people know me as the owner of the local business Sister Act Face Painting.
I was asked to write a little blurb about what it is I love about Irish Fest- well that shouldn’t be hard-but then they did say “little” blurb…  SO, now my severely edited edition is below-

1Painting the kids- Sister Act Face Painting has been painting up the kids & many adults that attend Irish Fest for several years, so for me it’s like a reunion every year.  I get to catch up on family news, what the kids are up too and see how much they’ve grown.  I love seeing my families that attend each year and truly feel like I’m a part of their yearly tradition! Best Feeling Ever!
2. Connecting with our other artists, even though most of us work together all year long, it’s rare we get to spend three full  days in a tent together at one  time.  We laugh, exchange ideas, admire each other’s work and really enjoy painting together.  Did I mention we laugh- a lot! (DJ- you’re a part of this one too! )
3. Music- THE MOST AWESOME BANDS!!!
4. FOOD- nuff said!
5. Leprechauns
6. Irish Dancers- Holy COW can these kiddos dance!
7. Did I mention food?
8. Can I say- getting tipped in beer tokens on a kid’s blog?  
9. Shopping, there are so many wonderful things you cannot find anywhere else but at Irish Fest!
10. My Irish Fest Family, from the volunteers, entertainers, management and guest, these are the most wonderful people in the world and if you attend Irish Fest this year you get to be a part of it all!

Come see me at Irish Fest, get painted, shop, drink a beer, dance, have some fun and start a tradition!  See you all there! MJ

Below are some examples of her art!


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 5

These are some other fun areas found in the Park for the older kids.

Washington Park Jumpy Zone – What can you say about inflatables? Lots of kid size fun. Including two giant Rock-Climbing Walls and the Bungee Jump and more fun jumpies like a giant slide. You will find a couple of the Kid’s Club Members so say hi to Michael and Q.

Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos and Henna Body Art – You don’t have to be a kid, just a kid at heart to get one of these fabulous paint jobs, tattoos or body art. These artists are amazing.

   Face Painting – Yes, we have talented face painters here too. More original designs this year! And as requested, we have more Face Painters, come and see Amy, Kristi, Kaci, Laura, Nancy, Jo, MJ, Celeste, and Sheryl. And when I say these artists are amazing, once you are adorned, you will agree! The following is a list of the designs available from which you can choose:
Pot O’ Gold
Any Sport Ball
Irish Flag Tribal
Celtic Knight Necklace
Cow Swirls and Curls
Irish Princess Shamrock Designs
Fairy Celtic Eye Design
Pirate
Princess
Butterfly
Mermaid Princess
Heart Design
Rainbow Design
Flowers
Rose Mask
Lady Bug
Vampire
Tiger
Horse
Dragon
Bunny
Cheetah
Cat
Dog
Dinosaur
Octopus
Panda
Shark Zebra
Dolphin
Snake
Angel
Rock Star
Monster Princess
Spider Man/Girl
Batman
Unicorn
Two-face
Skull
Flames
Camouflage

Please make your selection, have a clean face and have your hair pulled back when it is your turn. This helps the lines go faster! Keep in mind each artist has their own style, artistic designs may vary. Tips are greatly appreciated!!

BRING BACK Guitar Hero
It never went anywhere and has never been at Irish Fest until presented by Tommy. Everyone gets a turn, are you an expert? And best of all, it is Special Irish Guitar Rock.

DJ RICO
Okay, I have to tell you about this amazing gentleman who is a super, fantastic, musical hero of mine. And, best of all he will be doing DJ duties down in the park and the music is aimed for the teens and tweens who need their own space to socialize and have fun.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Irish Thought for August 23...

More Irish Fest News


I wanted to show you all the awesome, cuddly cow you can win if you name the new cow for this year.  This cow also received some extra love from the Irish Fest Kid's Club to make sure whoever wins gets a great treat!




Thursday, August 22, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 4

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 4

What to do?


Let’s start in a section of the Park called the Wee Ones Village… this area of the Park operates from Fest Open until 9 PM (only for the Wee Ones Area).

Wee Ones Village
This area is just for little ones. We have all kinds of fun within the area.
Oddball Kids – Oddball Kids is a hands-on Children’s Activity that features Fun projects and do it yourself arts and crafts for children, they bring some of their interactive games and fun to KC Irish Fest, just for our youngest patrons. Watch for a special cow. Say hello to Miss Jana.  The following activities are only for the Wee Ones Village...

Bubble Tent – Yes Toddlers, there is a bubble tent to play in for as long as you like.

Wee Ones Jumpy Zone – We have given the wee ones their own special bouncies so they stay safe away from the older kids.

Golf Anyone? – Come and see the miniature golf for the little ones. I bet their handicap is pretty good.

Coloring Tent – Yes, we do color, and yes, we give prizes after Irish Fest to those works of Art by age group.

Balloon Artist – I bet if you just look during some peak hours in the Village you will find a Balloon Artist, and he/she will take your request. Get a flower or your own sword. For sure this will bring a smile.

Grace O’Malley’s Troves of Treasures – Irish Fest has been fortunate to acquire two kid size ships belonging to Gráinne herself; that the little ones can play in and maybe find a treasure!


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 2

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 2

I got myself a copy of the schedule for the Kids' Area Stage for Irish Fest.  I already talked about Barry Fitzgerald, but I will be talking about other performers over the next week or so!




Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 3

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 3

How to be a Kid and Have a GRAND TIME at IRISH FEST


1. Have patience with your Mom and Dad and let them listen to some wonderful Music – I bet you like it too!
2. Take your schedule, circle what you would like to do, tell your Mom and
Dad to do the same, have a family meeting, bet you can work it out to do most all of it!
3. Don’t lose your parents; they have a way of straying!
4. Don’t take your crafts, prizes and merchandise in the moonwalks with you, they may break or get lost. Get Mom and Dad to keep track of them!
5. If Mom or Dad get cranky, you can go back to the hotel (or home) take a nap and come back refreshed.
6. The Kid’s Club says that Mom and Dad can bring along your best babysitter to let the entire family have fun. You can meet up at the times and places you both circled on your things to do!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Irish Thought for August 19...

Kansas City Irish Fest

I got myself some images of the new temporary tattoos that will be available this year.  Since our theme is Pirates and Fairies, I think these tattoos rock.  I might have to take the Irish fairy home with me to use on another special occasion like St. Patrick's Day.





Sunday, August 18, 2013

Irish Thought for August 18...

Kansas City Irish Fest

Henna tattoos were begun at Irish Fest last year and I felt that they were a great addition.  I had a beautiful cross done on my calf.  The glitter even outlasted the rain!  Even though henna is not permanent, we will want a parent there to let us know he or she is okay with you getting one.  Here is what an artist told me and some pics!  

Last year was my first year at the Kansas City Irish Festival. It was so amazing I could not wait to return!

Doing henna in a festival setting is very difficult for an artist who does mostly custom body art pieces. I was very nervous about signing up to do art for the festival. 

Not only were my fears laid to rest, but I discovered how absolutely amazing the Kansas City Irish crowd is. 

I am hooked and so incredibly happy I have been invited back to draw on all of the wonderful festival goers. 

KC Henna will be there throughout the entire festival to adorn you all with natural henna with an Irish flare.





Saturday, August 17, 2013

Irish Thought for August 17...

Irish Proverbs

If you dig a grave for others, you might fall into it yourself.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 1

Kansas City Irish Fest Lowdown Part 1

Overview

Irish Fest has a long and true commitment to all our Guests between the ages of 2 and 13.  Our space at Irish Fest is substantial, and is laid out to offer as much fun as you can handle.  Let’s take a walk through Irish Fest and you will see what we mean.


  • Get to know all the Stages.  The music is always happening at Irish Fest, and this year’s entertainment will make your whole family smile.  
  • Now, the Children’s Stage… Something is always happening here!  This year the Children’s Stage has everything from Mr. Stinky Feet to Ghost hunter; Barry Fitzgerald.   Look at the schedule so you can pick out what is important for you to see!  Where is the stage you may ask yourself, why in the Village, of course!
  • Children’s Village- Yes, the children have their own village at Irish Fest called Tír na nÓg, and everything about that area is fun.  There are crafts; there are games, and the famous Children’s stage is here.  Mom and Dad can enjoy watching you make a Shield or winning MOOLA at Bingo.  Maybe you want a Face Painting or a tattoo?  All the activities are named, read on! 
  • Wee Ones Village – Just for the little ones (under 6), we offer them their own slice of fun in Washington Park with games and crafts just for them.  Golf anyone?
  • Bouncies, Moonwalks, Rock Walls, and Bungee, yes we have them all across all age groups. And the best part,  you can buy a daily pass to just get on or in one when the need hits you!  All of these can be found in Washington Park.
  • Washington Park Teen Zone – Guitar Hero, and  of course the Bungee and Rock Climbing Wall, add a DJ and this becomes a must do for the tweens and teens.  And everyone should learn how to Ceili Dance.
  • FOOOOOD – MMMMM Favorites like Snow Cones, Pizza, Cherry Limeades,  Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, I don’t think I can go on…too hungry.
  • Face Painting, these amazing painters have the ability to transform you into the character you always wanted to be.  Not only Face Painting, but also Glitter Tattoos.
  • You have to tell Mom and Dad and all the ‘older’ kids, that there are Henna Tattoos this year, have you ever seen a leprechaun on top of your Dad’s Friend’s head? 


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Kansas City Irish Fest News

So you're still on the couch watching TV Jury Shows in your  Scooby Doo pajamas instead of getting involved with KC Irish Fest Children’s Area? Well, what's your story?

10. I am watching for my dog to self-learn 12 new tricks

9. I'm waiting for R2D2 to return from planet Dagobah with the ghost of OBI Wan Kenobi

8. I'm counting the dust mites in my mattress.

7. I'm practicing the Ancient Art of hopping on one foot while playing the harmonica and tying my shoe.
6. I'm setting a record for winning at Solitaire.

5. I have to watch 3361 hours of TV Jury Shows.

4. I'm trying to cause a world shortage of dill pickles through a record breaking consumption of them.

3. I am waiting for the 5000th call from a telemarketer.

2. I've got sixty three hours of PS3/WII to think about.

1. I don't know where to begin…tune in tomorrow for where to begin.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Irish Thought for August 14...

Irish Trivia

Jonathan Swift, the celebrated Gulliver's Travels writer, is buried in Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Irish Thought for August 13...

Irish Toasts

Ireland, it's the one place on earth
that heaven has kissed
with melody, mirth,
and meadow and mist.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Irish Thought for August 12...

Irish Fest News


I asked the kid's club what the top reasons for volunteering in their area are, here are some of the answers.

Top Reason - For a few hours of work - you get to be a kid again.
1. If you are an adult, it brings out you inner child.
2. If you are in school, you can get good service hours.
3. You know that you have helped a great cause because kids are our best cause.
4. It is a lot of fun to work with kids.
5. It really makes you feel good when you put a smile on a child's face or when you see them laughing and          having a fun time.
6. You can really enjoy hosting games for the kids.
7. You meet a lot of new people and make new friendships.
8. You get to review and critique the workshops.
9. It is a lot of fun to set-up each morning.
10.You get your face painted.

 Job Requirements:  (I hope you have Mary Poppins in your head as you are reading this - if you don't know to what I reference, please ask so I can sing the song for you!!!)

If you want this choice position
Have a cheery disposition
Rosy cheeks, no warts!
Play games, all sorts
You must be kind, you must be witty
Very sweet and in Kansas City

Take us to Bingo, give us treats
Sing songs, bring sweets
Never be cross or cruel
Always smile and be very cool

Love us as a son and daughter
And never ever will you falter

If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us
We won't hide your spectacles
So you can't see
Put shamrocks on your head...

and we'll give you a ticket without a fee!

Hurry, Volunteer!
Many thanks
Sincerely,
KCIF Kids




PS:  Must be 15 to Volunteer...

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Irish Thought for August 11...

Irish Fest News

Halloween, Ireland - the Ghostwatch began on 30 October 1998 the day before Halloween. The watch had been planned as a one-week investigation in Ireland, over the Halloween period, into the mysterious events in a former mill in the linen conservation area in Belfast . Visitors were invited to watch the livecam on Halloween and later in rooms in the linen mill (now a print workshop) in Ireland and report any unusual sightings. We are still ghostwatching because of the amount of interest from visitors over that Halloween period and the sheer volume of observations. Many thousands of visitors have contacted us with reports that nothing unusual occurred but a significant number have sent us accounts of truly inexplicable events: describing a woman who is certainly not an employee today in the building in Ireland; commenting on patterns on a wall or a floor or noticing objects move in the warehouse. Some visitors, at Halloween and other times, have reported seeing a mysterious man in the storeroom.


..Join us at Irish Fest pm August 31, for our own Ghost Watch in the Children's Area as we welcome the watcher himself, International Ghost Watcher,  Barry Fitzgerald.

I was going to save talking about one of my favorite people who will be at Irish Fest this year because...well...I am so excited for him to be at our festival that I was letting the excitement build.  But, with a day of stress both behind and still ahead of me today, I decided I would relax and write about Barry FitzGerald.

Before I talk about Barry, I think it is important to mention that I remember ghosts as being scary but fun to hear about when I was younger.  Although I am still not sure that I am a solid believer in ghosts, the Ghost Hunters' investigations have provided me with insight as to new ways to think about the events.  Sometimes, unseen energy causing strange noises or movements might be as simple as the person who died's energy repeating familiar actions that might be what that person did when alive, like an echo.  I have never seen an episode where anyone was afraid of what might be lurking.  Instead, they try and find rational reasons for an occurrence.  If that fails, they try talking to a spirit that might be present.  They search for clues as to who is causing the occurrences and why that spirit might be performing them.  There is no fear of danger (although who doesn't jump when something unexpected happens), just a mission to understand or verify what is happening.

I have been watching Barry on Sy-Fy's Ghost Hunters International for as long as he has been on the show.  I remember seeing him introduced because of his research he had been doing on a castle in Ireland when the original GHI team arrived to investigate.  Even when he was first introduced, Barry was well on the road of using different types of cameras to find spirits, like a camera that sees hot and cold spots.  He was determined to show that what might not be seen with our eyes might not be able to hide from cameras that see with a different view.  His knowledge of the cameras led to him starting on the GHI team as a tech expert.  However, it was not long before his expertise led him to be one of the two main investigators on the team.  One of the reasons that I am such a fan is because Barry often stops and just listens relying on his own senses to lead him in the direction that might provide evidence or answers.  I respect one who has such a dual respect for technology and his own experience to guide him.  And...girl-y as it might be...who can help but be warmed and calmed by an Irish accent?!?!!

Also, speaking from the experience of the last time Barry was at Kansas City Irish Fest, the man knows his Irish history.  He was just as ready to talk about the history as he was about his experiences on his ghost adventures, both of which I find exciting to follow.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Irish Thought for August 10...

Irish Fest News

Name our Cow


We want to introduce you all to our new poor nameless 11th birthday cow for this year.  This is the first time our cow is a boy!  He is just waiting to celebrate her birthday, but we can’t sing to him until he has a name.

We need you all to start putting your thinking caps on right now.  As you all know, he relies on you to give him a name.   He looks like an excited little one who is probably up some antics or on adventures right now! And, be careful, those horns will be used if you make him angry (of course, the hat might get in the way)!!!

.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Irish Thought for August 9...

Irish Proverbs

Don't break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Irish Thought for August 8...

Quotations

The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad.  For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.
  - G.K. Chesterton

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Irish Thought for August 7...

Irish-Americans by the Numbers

Of employed Irish Americans over the age of 16:
40 percent work in professional, managerial, or similar occupations;
27 percent work in sales and office jobs;
16 percent work in service occupations;
9 percent work in transportation or production positions;
and 8 percent work in maintenance, construction, extraction, or repair occupations.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Irish Thought for August 6...

Irish Fest News

We are so excited to have the kids' area theme as pirates and fairies.  I hope you all are working out your costumes with our theme because we have some great prizes!

In addition to costume preparations, I have begun pinata prep!  These are the pictures of all of the fairies and pirates standing around waiting to share their bounty with you all!








Monday, August 5, 2013

Irish Thought for August 5...

The KCIF KID’S CLUB

Meet Maureen


Maureen is one of the newest members of our team.   With her infectious smile and grand enthusiasm, we are looking forward to Maureen being on the team.    She is a wonderful addition already jumping in with one of our new activities in the wee ones area.   She is an Irish Dancer, and she has two equally wonderful sisters in the Club, Molly and Maeve.

She is still learning her way around the club, and so far is a little quiet, we’ll see for how long as she will be running areas in the Children’s village this year, and my guess is that she will be wonderful in her new role.  

Maureen introduced herself with the fact that she had been a guest of the Children’s area since she was very young, what great job experience for becoming one of our great leaders in the club.

You will see Maureen dancing on many of the stages and you will see her in the Children’s area very soon.   Give her a big welcome!

Maureen said, “I love Irish Fest because it is family friendy and there is great music and I get to dance and see my friends dance.”





Sunday, August 4, 2013

Irish Thought for August 4...

Irish Fest News

Now that our final month countdown as begun before Irish Fest, I will be trying to put news and happenings on every day.  I thought I would begin with a note and some artwork from one of our AMAZING face artists.  Oh, and fyi, the theme for the children's area this year is pirates and fairies.  I hope everyone comes up with some fantastic costumes because we have cool prizes for the winners!

Hi I'm Laura Oliver of Face Fancies Face Painting and I'm so happy to be back again painting shamrocks and more for this year's annual Irish Fest! I love the fun and festivities of Irish Fest in general, but this years' theme is right up my alley and makes me even more excited to participate! Come on out and get painted by some of the best painters around!



Saturday, August 3, 2013

Irish Thought for August 3...

Irish Etymology

Hibernia:  a name for Ireland, either stemming from the Latin word hibernus, meaning "wintry" or the mythological Latin name for Ireland, "Ivernia".

Friday, August 2, 2013

Irish Thought for August 2...

Irish Drink

Brown Lemonade

Commonly sold in Northern Ireland under the brand names Cantrell & Cochrane (C&C) and Maine, brown lemonade drinkers report a slight difference in taste from white lemonade, although brown lemonade's appearance is caused by brown food coloring.  Legendarily, brown lemonade was created to give shipbuilders in Belfast something masculine to drink when imbibing ale was banned from the shipyards and drinking white lemonade was too feminine.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Irish Thought for August 1...

Irish Movies

A Love Divided

The true story of a Catholic man and his Protestant wife, and the events resulting in the Co. Wexford, Ireland community when the wife decides she doesn't appreciate being forced to send their daughter to a Catholic school, despite the local priest's insistence she is bound by the pre-marriage agreement she signed to raise any children as Catholic.

This sounds like a weird movie.  If the mom didn't want the girl to go to Catholic school, then the mom should not have signed a paper.   Oh, well.  SUBJECT CHANGE!!!!!

 I am happy to present this year's cow. He is so cute.  He looks like a little rapscallion. Start thinking of a name please!!!!!  
And for extra fun leading up to Irish Fest, I have a contest to announce.  I would like to challenge everyone to have some fun with the cow.  I would like for you to print off a picture of him (and make sure the picture is big enough to be visible in the eyes of a camera) and take him on a fun journey.  If you have any last minute vacation plans, take him with you.  If you want to take him with you on your first day of school or to show and tell, do that.  If you want to go around K.C. and have an adventure, then set forth on your journey.  Take my little friend out for some fun in the sun before Irish Fest and take a picture of you with him on your adventure.  You can even write a blurb under your picture with some words from you or the cow!  Then submit your picture along with your name, age, phone number, email, and address to me at kcifchildrens@everestkc.net before August 26.  We will have three winners.  Second and third place will get free tickets to Irish Fest.  The first place prize is tickets to Irish Fest PLUS a hotel room at Westin Crown Center for Friday night, August 30.  That way the winner can either spend the evening at Irish Fest, go to the hotel, and get some rest or...hang out at the hotel and relax on Friday and go to Irish Fest all day Saturday...OR go both Friday and Saturday and collapse at the hotel in between to get some rest before more fun is had...because the fun never stops at Kansas City Irish Fest.  Sorry adults, this contest is for kids only!!!!