CAPE MAY – Celebrate all things Irish and Scottish at Historic Cold Spring Village’s 9th Annual Celtic Festival the weekend of July 20-21 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The festival features musical entertainment throughout the grounds, interactive demonstrations and a pub area with all-day live music. The opening ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday and led by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums Band, which is comprised of members of the famed Atlantic City Sandpipers. “The Annual Celtic Fest has grown to be one of our most popular and anticipated events,” says HCSV Executive Director Anne Salvatore. “The festival offers a mix of music, dancing and other traditional demonstrations that fit in perfectly with the Village, an open-air living history museum, as the backdrop.” The Village’s restored, historic buildings will also be open, with historical interpreters demonstrating the trades and crafts and the 1800s. This event is generously sponsored by Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly Certified Public Accountants.
Main stage performances include sets by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums Band, world-renowned musician Tom Brett, South Jersey favorites Smitty’s Kitchen, and local musician Mary Roth. Joe McGonigle will entertain all weekend long at the pub tent and Robert Mouland, the one-man Irish band will offer a historical look at Irish music throughout the weekend. In addition, The New Jersey Irish Setter Rescue will join the event with their loveable breed to meet with visitors. Visitors can also meet Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen, throughout the weekend and watch demonstrations from the New Jersey Blacksmith Association. New for 2013, 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. 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 mid-September.
Historic Cold Spring Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and four miles south of Rio Grande (Exit 4 of the Garden State Parkway). Admission during the season is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. As a member of the national Blue Star Museums program, Historic Cold Spring Village is proud to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and up to 5 family members. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Needle Arts Coop, 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.