Irish Festival Returns With Bagpipers, Celtic Traditions, Charitable Giving In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — St. Patrick's Day is Friday, but Annapolis will also paint the town green later this spring. Bagpipers in kilts will flock to the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds for the Annapolis Irish Festival on Saturday, May 6.

About 3,500 people attended the festival in 2022, which was the party's first year under ABC Events' ownership. ABC Events expects a crowd of 5,000 this year for a gathering rooted in Annapolis tradition and charitable giving.

"It's kind of a showcase of all things Irish," Daryl Cooke, the vice president of development at ABC Events, told Patch in an exclusive interview.

The festival's main draw is its Irish music.

Gaelic Storm is the headliner. This Celtic rock band got its big break in 1997 when it performed in the movie "Titanic."

Since then, Gaelic Storm has played at festivals around the country and developed quite a following. The band also took the stage at the Annapolis Irish Festival last year, bringing fans from as far away as Ohio.

The group's singer, Patrick Murphy, is originally from Ireland. He now lives in Annapolis, giving Gaelic Storm a local appeal, as well.

Other bands at the festival include the Bastard Bearded Irishmen and Gaelic Mishap.

Related: Annapolis St. Patrick's Parade Photos, Videos Show Bagpipers, Dancers

Contests will declare the best male kilt and the audience's favorite ginger between performances on the main stage. A second stage will feature Irish dancers.

The food vendors are still in the works, but they are sure to offer Irish delicacies. Annapolis pub Galway Bay served Guinness-flavored wings last year.

Speaking of beer, the festival will pour plenty of Irish brews. Irish coffee will also be available.

There will be beer racing, keg tossing and whiskey tasting for adults. Kids can enjoy inflatables and games. Artisans will sell Celtic crafts for all ages.

"It's fun for the whole family," Cooke, 53, said. "We're glad that we're able to do this for the community."

ABC Events is based in Anne Arundel County and was founded in 2005. Cooke joined the business a year later.

The Arnold resident met the company's leaders in 2006 while volunteering at City Dock during a Volvo Ocean Race Stop-Over festivity sponsored by ABC Events.

Cooke is now one of five to seven employees who spend the year planning staples like the Maryland Seafood Festival, the Bay Bridge Paddle and the Maryland Chicken Wing Festival.

Annapolis resident Eddie McGowan launched the Irish Festival in 2011. As the founder of the Irish rock band Dublin 5, McGowan was always dialed into the Celtic music scene. He also planned the annual Santa Speedo Run through downtown Annapolis.

McGowan died of ALS in 2018.

The festival took a hiatus the next year. The break continued into 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABC Events bought the Annapolis Irish Festival in January 2022. The party returned last July, but a thunderstorm shortened the festival. This year, ABC Events moved the festival to May to try and dodge another pop-up summer storm.

The Irish Festival has supported charities since its inception. The festival donated $168,000 during McGowan's tenure, Eye On Annapolis reported.

ABC Events has continued that philanthropic work. The new owners have given to nonprofits like the Eddie McGowan Foundation, the Society of the Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

"We tried to keep it true to its beginnings," Cooke said. "It started out as a music festival with great bands, and we're trying to continue that tradition. We're also trying to expand it to have other elements to include a whole day's worth of fun."

Festival tickets are on sale now for $25 plus fees. The price will increase to $30 at the door. Parking is free.

VIP tickets cost $135 per person or $250 per couple. This package includes alcohol, snacks, private bathrooms and special parking.

Kids 12 and under are free, but they still need to reserve a children's ticket.

Tickets are available at abceventsinc.com/annapolis-irish-fest. Attendees can also follow the festival on Facebook for updates.

"[This] is great for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and getting people to come visit the area," Cooke said. "Anything we can do to help and work with the county is a win for everybody."

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