Note: This release was submitted by the organizers of the festival.
While green is the color of choice where any Irish celebration is concerned, Knoxville’s first annual Irish Festival, which will be held on July 25 and 26 at the World’sFair Park, is taking this concept to the next level.
The Irish Festival, a benefit to support five non-profit organizations that serve the greater Knoxville area, is an opportunity to better familiarize East Tennesseans with the Irish culture, and to demonstrate the impact that culture has had on the history of the area.
“There are a lot of people in Tennessee that can trace their lineage back to Irish origins, but not many know the specifics,” says Jon Ferrie, President of the Irish Festival of Knoxville. “We want to provide the community with an opportunity to learn a little bit more about the Irish culture that so many in the area claim to be part of.”
The festival will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the Irish culture, and the impact it has had on the greater Knoxville area throughout history. Included in the scheduled events for that day are many live bands and dancers giving performances consistent with the Irish culture. At the same time, the amphitheater will showcase children programs, environmental educational seminars, and information about the five charities that are benefiting from the event.
Irish history and culture are not the only lessons to be learned at this year’s festival. The event is being touted as a “100% environmentally friendly” function. Positively zero waste from the event will be removed to landfills, and extensive measures have been taken to offset the event’s “carbon-footprint.” The Irish Festival is the first privately organized event in the Knoxville area to be able to make this claim. “Earth Fest 2008,” a city-sponsored event, was previously the only other local event to achieve such lofty goals.
“It seems to fit perfectly that we make our festival ‘green’ in every sense of the word,” said Ferrie. “Not only are we providing an opportunity for the community to learn about both Ireland and the impact the Irish community has had in Knoxville, but we are also providing an opportunity to learn about the environment, and the affects our pollutants have on the future of our world. This is an excellent learning opportunity all around.”
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done to help the environment,” continued Ferrie, “and it all has to start somewhere. Our hope is that everyone will come out to experience a taste of the Irish culture, show their support for these five worthy charities, and in the process, come away from the event with a fresh new outlook on the environment, and a better understanding of the steps necessary to help make a difference.”
The Irish Festival is a two-day event being held to benefit five local non-profit organizations serving the Knoxville area. All of the proceeds from the event will go to help support the Fraternal Order of Police (Volunteer Lodge #2), the Knoxville Firefighter’s Association, the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Remote Area Medical Foundation, and the Ulster Project. Each of these five organizations will be present at the event, and available to provide more information about the services they provide.
The festival will be kicked off on Friday night with a “Green Tie” Charity Event in the Sunsphere on the World’sFair Park. It is a semi-formal event, which includes heavy hors d'oeuvres provided by Southern Graces Catering Services, beer and wine, a live Irish Band performing, and door prizes. Valet parking will also be available. Tickets for the charity gala are $75 per person, and purchase information can be found on the web site at www.irishfestknox.org.
Admission to Saturday’s festival at the World’s Fair Park, which will run from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., is $10 for adults, and free for children. All proceeds will benefit the five charities.
For more information, including sponsorship and booth information, please visit the website at IrishFestKnox.org.
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