Jim Thorpe Irish Fest
Ages: 0 and up
Cost:
Parking: Yes - See website for parking details
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Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency presents Inaugural Irish Fest
Irish eyes keep smiling.
While the Carbon St. Patrick’s Parade won’t be making its way down Broadway next month, the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency (JTTA) invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate their Celtic roots with its Inaugural Irish Fest on March 9-10 and 16-17.
JTTA president Jennifer Christman was one of many saddened to hear about the discontinuation of the parade.
“Though we have fond memories of this long-standing tradition in Jim Thorpe and Carbon County and appreciate all the work done by its organizers, JTTA is trying to accommodate our residents and visitors with this new event. We are excited to start new traditions in our town and pick up where the parade left off,” Christman said.
Goers donning their finest Irish accessories can kick up their heels and enjoy strolling musicians both weekends including the Faculty Brass and the Bethlehem-based Mackay Pipe Band’s drums and bagpipes will echo through town on Sunday, March 10.
The Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, will present two evenings of Celtic performances including the Tartan Terrors on Saturday, March 9 and the Kilmaine Saints, who will kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend a little early on Friday, March 15.
The luck of the Irish will be with you when you purchase a Pot-of-Gold Passport. The keepsake passport will unlock special discounts including $5 off Mauch Chunk Opera House shows, March 8 through March 17, menu items at local restaurants and pubs, plus 17 percent off at all participating shops. The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, 41 W. Broadway, will be open with a special discount for Passport holders. In addition, each Passport holder will receive a FREE Irish Fest t-shirt!
The Stabin Museum and Café Arielle, 268 W. Broadway, will host a Youth Celtic Fiddle Showcase and Competition on Saturday March 9, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. More details to follow.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will hold an Irish-themed brunch on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Come back to Race Street wearing your tartans Saturday night at 8 p.m. for a Kilt Party and Best Legs Contest at Stone Row Pub and Eatery, 45-47 Race St.
On Sunday, March 17, Café Arielle will offer a Celtic Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring live music.
