Celebrate all things Irish and Scottish at Historic Cold Spring Village’s 12th Annual Celtic Festival the weekend of July 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The festival features musical entertainment throughout the grounds, interactive demonstrations and a pub area with all-day live music. The Village’s restored, historic buildings will also be open, with historical interpreters demonstrating the trades and crafts of the 1800s. This event is generously sponsored by Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly Certified Public Accountants.
Main stage performances will include sets by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums Band, which is comprised of members of the famed Atlantic City Sandpipers, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. South Jersey favorite Smitty’s Kitchen will also play at the Village Gazebo at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days. Dancers from the Emerald Isle Academy take the stage at 1:30 p.m. both days. Joe McGonigle will entertain all weekend long at the pub tent, with world-renowned musician Tom Brett performing a set at 1 p.m. The New Jersey Irish Setter Rescue will join the event, accompanied by the loveable breed to meet with visitors. Back by popular demand, the Village will host the Kiddie Highland Games with child-sized versions of the infamous tests of strength including the caber toss, shot put and hammer throw.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Tuesday through Sunday, from late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through September.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300 ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.