The inaugural Excelsior Springs Irish Festival welcomed attendees with clear skies and a vibrant atmosphere on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Held at the picturesque Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery, the event featured live music, cultural performances, local vendors, and delicious food, offering something for everyone.
Two stages were set up on the festival grounds, including a brand-new amphitheater, which added to the ambiance with its scenic rural backdrop. Throughout the day, a variety of entertainers took to the stage, captivating the audience with lively performances.
Among the vendors, local artists showcased handmade items such as soaps, tumblers, candles, jewelry, and t-shirts. Triple 10 Tackle offered fishing gear, which some guests used to fish in the vineyard’s pond. Yellow Box of Magic entertained the crowd, especially children, as he rode his yellow bicycle across the grounds, creating balloon animals.
Food and drinks were a major draw, with Donnici’s Italian Deli and Market making its debut at the festival by serving up Irish Reubens and Pastrami sandwiches, blending Italian and Irish flavors for a unique experience. Food trucks, including Kona Ice and Tip Top Kettle, were also on hand, ensuring no one went hungry. In addition, several local wineries such as Fence Stile Vineyards, Van Till Family Winery, and The Atlas Saloon offered tastings of their wines and draft beers, complementing the offerings from the host winery, Shamrock Hills.
The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center’s security students contributed to the festival’s success by assisting vendors and helping set up. They also provided security throughout the event, managing bag checks as guests arrived and staffing a medical tent in case of any injuries, giving students the opportunity to apply their training in a real-world environment.
A highlight of the festival was the afternoon performance by the O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance from Mission, Kansas. The troupe’s skilled dancers gave a captivating performance, bringing the energy of traditional Irish dance to life on the amphitheater stage.
Other performances throughout the day kept the crowds entertained. Eddie Delahunt, a Dublin-born artist who has long been part of Kansas City’s Irish music scene, shared his music and stories. Later, The Canterberries, a group of best friends from childhood, performed original songs and crowd favorites, making a connection with the audience while playfully swatting away wasps. Traditional Irish music also filled the air with performances by Into the Sun and The Stolen Apples, who brought the festival to a rousing conclusion with a mix of original songs and Irish folk tunes.
As families and friends enjoyed the festival among the rolling vineyard hills, the sense of community was evident. With such a successful debut, organizers are already making plans for next year, ensuring the Excelsior Springs Irish Festival becomes a beloved annual tradition.
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