Irish-American Heroes
Sometimes credited as being the fastest baseball pitcher ever, Walter Johnson (November 6, 1887 - December 10, 1946) pitched 110 shutouts (a record he still holds) and led the Washington Senators to victory in 416 games. Johnson held the career record in strikeouts (3,509) for over 50 years until Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, and Gaylord Perry (in that order) all surpassed it in 1983.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Irish Thought for July 30...
Irish Musicians
The Corrs
A Celtic folk rock band of Irish siblings, the Corrs features Andrea Corr on lead vocals and tin whistle, Sharon Corr on violin and vocals, Caroline Corr on drums and piano, and Jim Corr on guitar, piano, and vocals. Their five studio albums have produced singles that have racked up platinum sales internationally. The Corrs are also known for their charitable work. Currently, the band is on hiatus while some of the siblings raise families or work on solo projects.
The Corrs
A Celtic folk rock band of Irish siblings, the Corrs features Andrea Corr on lead vocals and tin whistle, Sharon Corr on violin and vocals, Caroline Corr on drums and piano, and Jim Corr on guitar, piano, and vocals. Their five studio albums have produced singles that have racked up platinum sales internationally. The Corrs are also known for their charitable work. Currently, the band is on hiatus while some of the siblings raise families or work on solo projects.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Irish Thought for July 29...
Irish Proverbs
If you want an audience, start a fight.
That proverb reminds me of another great set-in-Ireland movie...The Quiet Man. John Wayne goes to Ireland to live a peaceful life, but ends up falling for Maureen O'Hara, an Irish lass with a fiery temper to match her fiery hair. The last 20 minutes or so of the movie are a semi-comedic extended fight scene between John Wayne and O'Hara's brother. Two of John Wayne's fights take top honors for me in movies, the one in The Quiet Man and in McLintock!. Both feature O'Hara as Wayne's wife too!
If you want an audience, start a fight.
That proverb reminds me of another great set-in-Ireland movie...The Quiet Man. John Wayne goes to Ireland to live a peaceful life, but ends up falling for Maureen O'Hara, an Irish lass with a fiery temper to match her fiery hair. The last 20 minutes or so of the movie are a semi-comedic extended fight scene between John Wayne and O'Hara's brother. Two of John Wayne's fights take top honors for me in movies, the one in The Quiet Man and in McLintock!. Both feature O'Hara as Wayne's wife too!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Irish Thought for July 28...
Irish Toasts
May the luck of the Irish
lead to happiest heights
and the highway you travel
be lined with green lights.
May the luck of the Irish
lead to happiest heights
and the highway you travel
be lined with green lights.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Irish Thought for July 27...
Quotations
I'm Irish-Catholic and I have a long iceberg of guilt.
-Edna O'Brien
I would just like to send shout out of congratulations to Andrea of the Kids' Club. I just found out she recently competed in a Tae Kwon Do tournament that left her placed third in the world! Keep fighting those fights!!!!!!
I'm Irish-Catholic and I have a long iceberg of guilt.
-Edna O'Brien
I would just like to send shout out of congratulations to Andrea of the Kids' Club. I just found out she recently competed in a Tae Kwon Do tournament that left her placed third in the world! Keep fighting those fights!!!!!!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Irish Thought for July 26...
Irish Trivia
The first saint canonized from Ireland was no Saint Patrick, but rather Saint Abban, who preached in England during the 2nd century. He is sometimes attributed with a lifetime of more than 300 years.
The first saint canonized from Ireland was no Saint Patrick, but rather Saint Abban, who preached in England during the 2nd century. He is sometimes attributed with a lifetime of more than 300 years.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Irish Thought for July 25...
Limericks!
There was an Old Man with a gong,
Who bumped at it all day long;
But they called out "O Law!
You're a horrid old bore!"
So they smashed that Old Man with a gong.
There was an Old Man with a gong,
Who bumped at it all day long;
But they called out "O Law!
You're a horrid old bore!"
So they smashed that Old Man with a gong.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Irish Thought for July 24...
Irish-American Celebrities
Gracie Allen
Known as the kooky partner of her husband George Burns on radio and the television show The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Gracie Allen was comedian and actor with deft and daft timing. Allen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Gracie Allen
Known as the kooky partner of her husband George Burns on radio and the television show The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Gracie Allen was comedian and actor with deft and daft timing. Allen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
 |
| George Burns and Gracie Allen in 1952 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracie_Allen |
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Irish Thought for July 23...
Irish Curses
May you inherit bad teeth.
Oooooo, that is a mean curse. Getting bad teeth fixed is so painful, expensive, and takes work. Or you just have to live with a yucky smile (as so many Brits do :)
May you inherit bad teeth.
Oooooo, that is a mean curse. Getting bad teeth fixed is so painful, expensive, and takes work. Or you just have to live with a yucky smile (as so many Brits do :)
Monday, July 22, 2013
Irish Thought for July 22...
Irish Writers
Jonathan Swift
Born in Dublin, Jonathan Swift is considered one of the preeminent satirists writing English prose, and his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, are still read widely. Swift has all of his writing published anonymously or under pseudonyms such as Lemuel Gulliver, M.B. Drapier, and Isaac Bickerstaff.
Jonathan Swift
Born in Dublin, Jonathan Swift is considered one of the preeminent satirists writing English prose, and his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, are still read widely. Swift has all of his writing published anonymously or under pseudonyms such as Lemuel Gulliver, M.B. Drapier, and Isaac Bickerstaff.
 |
| Portrait by Charles Jervas |
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Irish Thought for July 21...
Irish Etymology
"Put the kabash"
possibly stemming from an old Irish phrase cie bais, which means "cap of death."
"Put the kabash"
possibly stemming from an old Irish phrase cie bais, which means "cap of death."
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Irish Thought for July 20...
Irish Food
Boxty
Traditionally, these simple potato pancakes were made from a combination of leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes, along with baking powder and sweet milk. Boxty is sometimes flavored with onions and garlic in modern recipes.
Boxty
Traditionally, these simple potato pancakes were made from a combination of leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes, along with baking powder and sweet milk. Boxty is sometimes flavored with onions and garlic in modern recipes.
 |
| http://www.chow.com/recipes/28172-boxty-irish-potato-pancake |
Friday, July 19, 2013
Irish Thought for July 19...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Michael
Michael
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
-George Bernard Shaw
Michael is my different drummer of the team. His concern for Irish Fest Children is that we provide for them a very safe fun event. When talking all the fun jobs that we have, Michael has spent the last three years choosing one of the most difficult jobs that we have. He helps run the Moonwalks, Bounce House and Rock Climbing and he keeps adding to the time he spends doing it, like last year close to 20 hours. He always checks in, he has a good eye for things that are not going quite right, and makes great mental notes to fix something in the next year. He also has a candid way of saying things. Last year, he said it was very difficult for the teenage girls when he had to ask their weight for the bungee jump, so this year he asked for a sign to help them prepare for the question. It is something he had to know to make the right adjustments, and he hated that he might be embarrassing any one. I was very proud of him.
He is one of those kids that are able to sit and be comfortable with any age group. And he always has some nugget to share in any setting. And if you look at him, you can see behind his eyes a thousand thoughts formatting.
Michael doesn’t talk about himself much. I know he speaks fluent French. I know he has a great love for his large family, most of which are also involved with the Fest. And I know he has a special affinity for Barry Fitzgerald, Paranormal Investigator, Photographer, Author, and Scriptwriter. Many of us have had the great honor to work with Barry as he has been a very special guest and storyteller at the Fest.
If I were Michael, I think my special moment at Irish Fest would be when Barry presented Michael with an autographed book. I wasn’t sure that Michael would recover from that, but he pulled himself together and went right on helping us out at the Fest. He only asked if he could attend all of Barry’s shows and then introduced Barry on the Children’s Stage. It was a special Fest for Michael.
Meet Michael
Michael
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
-George Bernard Shaw
Michael is my different drummer of the team. His concern for Irish Fest Children is that we provide for them a very safe fun event. When talking all the fun jobs that we have, Michael has spent the last three years choosing one of the most difficult jobs that we have. He helps run the Moonwalks, Bounce House and Rock Climbing and he keeps adding to the time he spends doing it, like last year close to 20 hours. He always checks in, he has a good eye for things that are not going quite right, and makes great mental notes to fix something in the next year. He also has a candid way of saying things. Last year, he said it was very difficult for the teenage girls when he had to ask their weight for the bungee jump, so this year he asked for a sign to help them prepare for the question. It is something he had to know to make the right adjustments, and he hated that he might be embarrassing any one. I was very proud of him.
He is one of those kids that are able to sit and be comfortable with any age group. And he always has some nugget to share in any setting. And if you look at him, you can see behind his eyes a thousand thoughts formatting.
Michael doesn’t talk about himself much. I know he speaks fluent French. I know he has a great love for his large family, most of which are also involved with the Fest. And I know he has a special affinity for Barry Fitzgerald, Paranormal Investigator, Photographer, Author, and Scriptwriter. Many of us have had the great honor to work with Barry as he has been a very special guest and storyteller at the Fest.
If I were Michael, I think my special moment at Irish Fest would be when Barry presented Michael with an autographed book. I wasn’t sure that Michael would recover from that, but he pulled himself together and went right on helping us out at the Fest. He only asked if he could attend all of Barry’s shows and then introduced Barry on the Children’s Stage. It was a special Fest for Michael.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Irish Thought for July 18...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Kelsey
The Mighty Quinn – Kelsey
I have known Kelsey forever or for at least 13 years. Like the other Irish Fest Kids, she is growing up quickly.
Kelsey is an Irish Dancer and she is an aggressive Basketball player and she always has a warm smile. Kelsey is one of those people who just make other people feel good. She pitches in at Irish Fest all she is able while she is performing on the side. But, she is at every meeting before and after Irish Fest, and as with our entire team; is putting her ideas out there on how to make the Fest better for all of our guests.
She started out handing out balloons with Colleen several years ago. I told them not to leave each other, to make every attendee under 13 happy to be here with us and to stay in a defined area. They achieved that goal and now they have graduated to going out in costumes, and head all over the Fest.
Kelsey is a fierce competitor, but remembers to keep everything fun. That is where I heard her called Quinn (she answers to both) She is another one of my kids who have been caught Irish Dancing off the swimming pool diving board, but I know when I challenge her at horse for Basketball, she will seriously calculate how to beat me.
Kelsey’s family is long standing members of the Irish Fest Committee and Board, and I have to know that when they look at Kelsey, their pride must be close to bursting.
I know when I lobby for a change in the Children’s, if it makes sense, and I have gained Kelsey’s vote, she will be a strong advocate for me. Remember, it is always good to have her on your side.
One of her more serious moments is after the fest. We all get together to decide what went really well and what we need to throw out and try again. Kelsey is serious about making constructive criticisms; that is why we are the best Kids area at any Fest!
In Kelsey’s words:
The thing I love about Irish Fest is that the music is so good, and there is always something to do and enjoy.
Meet Erin
One day, two years ago, this incredibly cute freckled faced fairy showed up with Kelsey at a meeting. I knew Erin through her Grandparents, and I knew we were lucky to get her. She has been enthusiastic but a little shy in voicing her ideas. But put her in charge of Bingo and the shyness is gone, and the fun begins.
Erin has her sister’s fleet feet as she is an Irish Dance too. She has a wonderful work ethic, and has helped me with things like cleaning up trash in the tents. She smiles, tells me sure and jumps in to any task.
But her charm is helping out in a visual way with the Children’s Area like doing Bingo or the Wack-a-laylee. Her smile is disarming and her laugh is infectious. And she does a great job with our more mundane jobs like inventory and pricing. If Erin is over at the merchandise/prize booth in the Children’s Area; take her advice on the merchandise, she always knows the best stuff to get.
One year before Erin started with us, she helped her Grandmother make a Fairy House; it was beautiful, any Fairy would have been lucky to have it. And I know she has other talents like she bakes wonderful cookies.
Watch for Erin at the Fest, she is one of our best smiles in the Club.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Irish Thought for July 17...
Irish-American Movies
The Bell's of St. Mary's
Easygoing Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) and iron-willed Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) engage in a battle of wits over how the children should be trained at St. Mary's parochial school. Directed by Leo McCarey.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Irish Thought for July 16...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Mack
MacKenzie
Northwestern Missouri State
Yes, we ousted Mack out of the Kid’s Club, but she still is an active mentor and went right up the ranks to the adult Children’s Committee of Irish Fest.
Mack has done it all and was there when the Children’s Area was a 10 x 30 tent. Mikayla followed Mack around for those first years, as Mack was the grown up at all of 9 years. And since that time, MacKenzie has taken several of the Kids under her wing as mentor.
MacKenzie used to work and work and help shut down and then disappear. She was so shy those first few years and I always had a fear she was working too hard. The disappearance was shyness and at about 13 she blossomed. No more disappearing, she used to sit with all the adults and talk about things that happened at the Fest until her -Mom (another great Irish Fest Director) or Dad would come to get her, just to force her to get her food and rest.
Nothing has changed. MacKenzie is still working very hard and right there for the kids.
Through all this time she has only ever asked for one thing, that is to see the Elders. It makes me smile because every year I hear the same thing, I am going to run to the stage to see the Elders and I’ll be back for clean-up. And every year she is.
So the future for MacKenzie; I keep telling her she is allowed to experience other Irish Fest Areas, but I think her love for kids will always outweigh that. I do know next year, I want to be the first to buy her her first Irish Fest Beer with a little green token, I’ll will probably cry, I know I did when she went to College. Having my Kid’s Club kids grow-up is just what it should be, but nothing will stop me from the fantastic memories, and the accomplished, gifted, lovely adults they are all becoming!
Mack’s own words will be for me. She would say get something to drink and is there anything I can do?
Monday, July 15, 2013
Irish Thought for July 15...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Jake
Jake
Bishop Miege
What can I say about our last President, Jake? Well as with all of our members, Jake is an over achiever. He came to us while he was still working very hard on helping with the FEIS. He would help set up the Feis and then run over and help us set up at Irish Fest, and then he would work at Irish Fest until he would run up and say I have to go. Typically, this was very late and I think he was about to drop. He would show up next morning ready to go another 14 hours.
Jake has been one of our most thought provoking members helping get all the wonderful ideas turned into reality.
Jake was also mentored by Mackenzie and they developed a love/hate relationship like they were siblings, this grew to include Mikayla. Let me say this, nobody would want to be around water and around any of them, throw in Mark (one of our adult members) and you have a rowdy group, no you have the Rowdy group! The fun never dampers the work, and Jake always does a great job.
Jake’s sport is baseball, and I have been lucky enough see him play at the T-Bones field. He also plays Football and Golf. Finally, Jake is a Longhorns Fan which is good for talk of Basketball between my school and his. Which made me chuckle over this picture of Jake with my favorite coach!
Meet Jake
Jake
Bishop Miege
What can I say about our last President, Jake? Well as with all of our members, Jake is an over achiever. He came to us while he was still working very hard on helping with the FEIS. He would help set up the Feis and then run over and help us set up at Irish Fest, and then he would work at Irish Fest until he would run up and say I have to go. Typically, this was very late and I think he was about to drop. He would show up next morning ready to go another 14 hours.
Jake has been one of our most thought provoking members helping get all the wonderful ideas turned into reality.
Jake was also mentored by Mackenzie and they developed a love/hate relationship like they were siblings, this grew to include Mikayla. Let me say this, nobody would want to be around water and around any of them, throw in Mark (one of our adult members) and you have a rowdy group, no you have the Rowdy group! The fun never dampers the work, and Jake always does a great job.
Jake’s sport is baseball, and I have been lucky enough see him play at the T-Bones field. He also plays Football and Golf. Finally, Jake is a Longhorns Fan which is good for talk of Basketball between my school and his. Which made me chuckle over this picture of Jake with my favorite coach!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Irish Thought for July 14...
Irish Proverbs
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Irish Thought for July 13...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Molly
Last year another smile came to help and become a member of our team. Molly, who was recruited by fellow Irish Dancers and members of our club, became a welcome member of the team. She is another one of our members who is very busy at Irish Fest with the Feis, performing, and helping in the Children’s area.
Molly always has a smile and a helping hand. She comes to every meeting and helps with every aspect of getting ready for the Fest and then spends her spare time with us. If I could bottle her enthusiasm, it would sell for a million dollars an ounce.
And she has proven to be yet another diving board dancer.
Molly begins High School this year and as with all of our members, she will be a joy in her High School, a strong leader, and a wonderful young woman.
Molly, when you read this, thanks for becoming a member of our club. Molly had been to the Fest as a guest, we all appreciate that insight she brings.
From Molly:
I love Irish Fest because I feel that the Irish Heritage is being brought to life and will live with everyone of all ages. It’s just a weekend of Family Fun and Awesome Music!
Meet Molly
Last year another smile came to help and become a member of our team. Molly, who was recruited by fellow Irish Dancers and members of our club, became a welcome member of the team. She is another one of our members who is very busy at Irish Fest with the Feis, performing, and helping in the Children’s area.
Molly always has a smile and a helping hand. She comes to every meeting and helps with every aspect of getting ready for the Fest and then spends her spare time with us. If I could bottle her enthusiasm, it would sell for a million dollars an ounce.
And she has proven to be yet another diving board dancer.
Molly begins High School this year and as with all of our members, she will be a joy in her High School, a strong leader, and a wonderful young woman.
Molly, when you read this, thanks for becoming a member of our club. Molly had been to the Fest as a guest, we all appreciate that insight she brings.
From Molly:
I love Irish Fest because I feel that the Irish Heritage is being brought to life and will live with everyone of all ages. It’s just a weekend of Family Fun and Awesome Music!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Irish Thought for July 12...
Irish-American Facts
Irish-Americans signed the founding documents of the United States - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Eight Irish-Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, and three signers, Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith, were born in Ireland; the remaining five Irish-Americans were the sons or grandsons of Irish immigrants. George Read, Thomas McKean, Thomas Lynch, Jr., Edward Rutledge, and Charles Carroll. The secretary, also Irish-American, signed as well: Charles Thompson.
Irish-Americans signed the founding documents of the United States - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Eight Irish-Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, and three signers, Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith, were born in Ireland; the remaining five Irish-Americans were the sons or grandsons of Irish immigrants. George Read, Thomas McKean, Thomas Lynch, Jr., Edward Rutledge, and Charles Carroll. The secretary, also Irish-American, signed as well: Charles Thompson.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Irish Thought for July 11...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Meet Mikayla
Mikayla
Liberty North High School
Mikayla is one of the founding members of the Kid’s
Club. She has been attending Irish Fest
since she was 4. That first year, she
helped in the Children’s area. She
handed out Coloring Pages and then hung the finished ones up. She was a keeper. Mikayla is fun, loves Basketball, and is on the
Honor Roll at school. One of her finest
points is that she love children and is concerned about making sure they have a
great time while staying very safe.
Yes, she is a parent’s dream.
She is quick to smile, and is an avid reader.
She is creative and one of her finest points is creating
something out of nothing. She works
with what we have to get something right from a decoration to solving a
situation.
Mikayla is the president of the Kid’s Club this
year.
Here are Mikayla’s words on the Fest:
I like Irish Fest because it is one of my favorite
childhood memories. I have worked Irish Fest every year, even when I was too
small to be much help, and loved it. I love the music and all the activities
there are to do. Now that I'm older I also really like the shopping! I have
always felt safe at Irish Fest and have really enjoyed the atmosphere that
can only be found at the Kansas City Irish Fest. Lastly, I love my job in the
kid’s area at the fest. I love kids, and love getting to work with them. Our
kid’s area has new surprises each year and I love thinking of those surprises.
KCIF is the best Fest around and the best Irish Fest in the US.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Irish Thought for July 10...
Limericks!
There was a Young Lady of Ryde,
Whose shoestrings were seldom untied.
She purchased some clogs,
And some small spotted dogs,
And frequently walked about Ryde.
There was a Young Lady of Ryde,
Whose shoestrings were seldom untied.
She purchased some clogs,
And some small spotted dogs,
And frequently walked about Ryde.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Irish Thought for July 9...
Irish Blessings
May you get the reward in Heaven that's been denied you for your goodness here on Earth.
May you get the reward in Heaven that's been denied you for your goodness here on Earth.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Irish Thought for July 8...
The KCIF KID’S CLUB
Who makes Irish Fest Rock every single year for the guests ages 1 to 16? It is the KCIF KID’S Club. They are dedicated, bright, ambitious (have you see their tees?), and mostly just plain Fun! If you know what the back of the tees say for the Kid’s Club, we have a prize for you. First person to guess correctly will receive a Bouncy Pass and Face Painting from the Kid’s Club Members for Irish Fest. Email me at kcifchildrens@everestkc.net and I will respond to the winner. When I receive that person's information, then I will announce the winner.
Every year right after Irish Fest this team decides what worked, what didn't, what needs improving, what needs expanding and what new things to add.
They work for months prior to Irish Fest, and then are there for most every minute of the best kid’s party of the year over Labor Day Weekend at KCIF. Some of them perform, but all of them are there to finish the year long plan to make this weekend a memorable one.
With that, we introduce the Irish Fest Kid’s Club! And their thoughts about why Irish Fest Rocks!
Meet Brendan
You will know him because of his smile that melts your heart. Brendan is one of our younger members, and also one of our organized members. He is one I would ask what he is bringing, I have a feeling he would be ready to party. Meet Brendan in the Children’s Village, he is an expert at KCIF Bingo.
Here is what Brendan told me about Irish Fest.
"I like Irish Fest because of the kid’s area. I like the bounce houses and all the fun stuff there is! I like that all the kids can have fun at Irish Fest. I like all the food too!"
Meet Patrick
He is a hard worker and takes his job at Irish Fest seriously. You will know him as the Young Man with a purpose. He is quiet, but when he speaks, it is with conviction, and his ideas are always fun. Patrick is a team player and will always help with the ‘yucky’ jobs like cleaning table last year in the rain. Patrick may be anywhere in the Village, he helped a lot with the KCIF Children’s treasures to take home, and we spent significant time last year blowing up helium balloons.
Patrick’s words of wisdom:
"I like Irish Fest because there is lots of fun stuff to do like the bounce houses and bungee jump. There is also lots of delicious foods to eat. I like to volunteer and help plan the kid’s area. It is really fun to hang out at Irish Fest!"
Meet Colleen
I have had the pleasure of watching this young woman grow up in the Kid’s Club. Colleen was always ready to help, and very often would say yes when she should not in her sheer determination to help. Colleen is an Irish Dancer, and has blossomed in that career as well. She dances at Irish Fest and does the Feis before and during the Fest, thus her ready to volunteer when she needs to be resting. Above all, Colleen is fun, you should see her Step Dance off a diving board; she has been working on that routine for years! Colleen has been with the Kid’s Club long enough that she could give some history of the growth of the area. When Colleen is not on stage, you will find her doing anything from handing out balloons to giving instructions on what absolutely needs to be done to have a wonderful Irish Fest Day!
Colleen is one of the Grand Dames of the Kid’s Club as this year she heads to High School and in Colleen’s words:.
"I love the music and how it is cultural and good to listen to. There is really good food. I also really enjoy performing Irish Dance every year at the festival and helping to volunteer. It is a great way to celebrate our culture and it makes me proud to be Irish!"
Yes, Colleen, Patrick and Brendan are related, look for these smiles at Irish Fest.
Who makes Irish Fest Rock every single year for the guests ages 1 to 16? It is the KCIF KID’S Club. They are dedicated, bright, ambitious (have you see their tees?), and mostly just plain Fun! If you know what the back of the tees say for the Kid’s Club, we have a prize for you. First person to guess correctly will receive a Bouncy Pass and Face Painting from the Kid’s Club Members for Irish Fest. Email me at kcifchildrens@everestkc.net and I will respond to the winner. When I receive that person's information, then I will announce the winner.
Every year right after Irish Fest this team decides what worked, what didn't, what needs improving, what needs expanding and what new things to add.
They work for months prior to Irish Fest, and then are there for most every minute of the best kid’s party of the year over Labor Day Weekend at KCIF. Some of them perform, but all of them are there to finish the year long plan to make this weekend a memorable one.
With that, we introduce the Irish Fest Kid’s Club! And their thoughts about why Irish Fest Rocks!
Meet Brendan
You will know him because of his smile that melts your heart. Brendan is one of our younger members, and also one of our organized members. He is one I would ask what he is bringing, I have a feeling he would be ready to party. Meet Brendan in the Children’s Village, he is an expert at KCIF Bingo.
Here is what Brendan told me about Irish Fest.
"I like Irish Fest because of the kid’s area. I like the bounce houses and all the fun stuff there is! I like that all the kids can have fun at Irish Fest. I like all the food too!"
Meet Patrick
He is a hard worker and takes his job at Irish Fest seriously. You will know him as the Young Man with a purpose. He is quiet, but when he speaks, it is with conviction, and his ideas are always fun. Patrick is a team player and will always help with the ‘yucky’ jobs like cleaning table last year in the rain. Patrick may be anywhere in the Village, he helped a lot with the KCIF Children’s treasures to take home, and we spent significant time last year blowing up helium balloons.
Patrick’s words of wisdom:
"I like Irish Fest because there is lots of fun stuff to do like the bounce houses and bungee jump. There is also lots of delicious foods to eat. I like to volunteer and help plan the kid’s area. It is really fun to hang out at Irish Fest!"
Meet Colleen
I have had the pleasure of watching this young woman grow up in the Kid’s Club. Colleen was always ready to help, and very often would say yes when she should not in her sheer determination to help. Colleen is an Irish Dancer, and has blossomed in that career as well. She dances at Irish Fest and does the Feis before and during the Fest, thus her ready to volunteer when she needs to be resting. Above all, Colleen is fun, you should see her Step Dance off a diving board; she has been working on that routine for years! Colleen has been with the Kid’s Club long enough that she could give some history of the growth of the area. When Colleen is not on stage, you will find her doing anything from handing out balloons to giving instructions on what absolutely needs to be done to have a wonderful Irish Fest Day!
Colleen is one of the Grand Dames of the Kid’s Club as this year she heads to High School and in Colleen’s words:.
"I love the music and how it is cultural and good to listen to. There is really good food. I also really enjoy performing Irish Dance every year at the festival and helping to volunteer. It is a great way to celebrate our culture and it makes me proud to be Irish!"
Yes, Colleen, Patrick and Brendan are related, look for these smiles at Irish Fest.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Irish Thought for July 7...
Quotations
This day is a happy one for America. In some places Americans get a little too happy.
-George W. Bush on St. Patrick's Day 2004
This day is a happy one for America. In some places Americans get a little too happy.
-George W. Bush on St. Patrick's Day 2004
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Irish Thought for July 6...
Irish Trivia
Although St. Patrick was known for his emphasis on education, introducing the Roman alphabet and Latin literature into Ireland and turning the Irish monasteries into leading intellectual centers, he himself was rather uneducated, and legends persist about his insecurity about his writing abilities.
Although St. Patrick was known for his emphasis on education, introducing the Roman alphabet and Latin literature into Ireland and turning the Irish monasteries into leading intellectual centers, he himself was rather uneducated, and legends persist about his insecurity about his writing abilities.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Irish Thought for July 5...
Irish-American Heroes
The first boxer to be recognized as Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world was John L. Sullivan (retroactively, as no title of that name existed at the time). He held the title for ten years, and was also the first American athlete to earn more than a million dollars.
The first boxer to be recognized as Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world was John L. Sullivan (retroactively, as no title of that name existed at the time). He held the title for ten years, and was also the first American athlete to earn more than a million dollars.
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| Am I the only thinking it would be awesome to see a modern boxer with a mustache like the one pictured? |
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Irish Thought for July 4...
Irish Drink
Bulmers Original Vintage Cider
Sold outside of Ireland as Magners Original Irish Cider to avoid conflict with a similarly names English cider, the beverage's formula is exactly the same whether it is called Bulmers or Magners. The cider is fermented and matured for up to two years, and it is made from 17 varieties of apples. Bulmers is available on tap in most Irish bars, and often served over ice.
Bulmers Original Vintage Cider
Sold outside of Ireland as Magners Original Irish Cider to avoid conflict with a similarly names English cider, the beverage's formula is exactly the same whether it is called Bulmers or Magners. The cider is fermented and matured for up to two years, and it is made from 17 varieties of apples. Bulmers is available on tap in most Irish bars, and often served over ice.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Irish Thought for July 3...
Meet the Irish Fest Kids' Club!!!
I would like to introduce you all to members of Kids' Club through ongoing segments. They meet throughout the year to help work on the Fest. I am so proud of all of their ideas and feedback that we have been able to make happen at Irish Fest.
Meet Ms. Cassie
Cassie is another one our kids who is no longer a kid, but a young woman of heart, and soul, of strength and determination, of creativity and brilliance. She is like her wonderful 1973 Super Beetle she is making payments on, and she fits the car and the car fits her. I have watched Cassie sit and take in all of us making suggestions and being excited, Cassie jumps in the fray quietly and thoughtfully with one single idea at a time, and we typically agree it is stunning. We watched her try out and make the boys football team, and during that time she was gravitating to running the crafts for the Children’s Area. She now does. She is the liaison between Irish Fest and Artrageous and works with our super wonderfully talented Julie Flannigan of Artrageous to deliver a craft like no other at every single Irish Fest. But don’t think she stops there; she always has great feedback and help deliver wonderful ideas for all areas of the Children’s Village and Park. And her love of music is vast and totally includes all things Irish. But don’t be fooled, she can easily sing her favorite Gaelic Storm song and next jump into a song from Rent. Our Cassie is diversity at its best.
I would like to introduce you all to members of Kids' Club through ongoing segments. They meet throughout the year to help work on the Fest. I am so proud of all of their ideas and feedback that we have been able to make happen at Irish Fest.
Meet Ms. Cassie
Cassie is another one our kids who is no longer a kid, but a young woman of heart, and soul, of strength and determination, of creativity and brilliance. She is like her wonderful 1973 Super Beetle she is making payments on, and she fits the car and the car fits her. I have watched Cassie sit and take in all of us making suggestions and being excited, Cassie jumps in the fray quietly and thoughtfully with one single idea at a time, and we typically agree it is stunning. We watched her try out and make the boys football team, and during that time she was gravitating to running the crafts for the Children’s Area. She now does. She is the liaison between Irish Fest and Artrageous and works with our super wonderfully talented Julie Flannigan of Artrageous to deliver a craft like no other at every single Irish Fest. But don’t think she stops there; she always has great feedback and help deliver wonderful ideas for all areas of the Children’s Village and Park. And her love of music is vast and totally includes all things Irish. But don’t be fooled, she can easily sing her favorite Gaelic Storm song and next jump into a song from Rent. Our Cassie is diversity at its best.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
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