THE WILDWOODS – The 24th annual Irish Fall Festival, the East Coast’s largest Irish Festival, comes to North Wildwood Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27.
The festival, designed to celebrate Irish culture and heritage through a variety of exciting events that are sure to entertain, tees off on Thursday, September 24, with a golf tournament at Cape May National Golf Course, located at Route 9 and Fairway Drive in Cape May Court House. The tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. and is $90 per golfer until Thursday, September 10 and $100 per golfer after that date, and includes golf fees, continental breakfast, cart, buffet lunch, beer, and prizes. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. To reserve a spot, please call the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) at 800-474-7491.
Vendors with Irish merchandise will line Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Irish memorabilia will be available for purchase along with Irish treats sure to satisfy any palate. Also on Friday and Saturday, FREE live Irish entertainment will also be featured along Olde New Jersey Avenue from noon – 8:30 p.m. For more information stop by the AOH table located between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Olde New Jersey Avenue.
Festivities on Saturday, September 26 kick off with a 5K run starting at 8 a.m. Registration for the 5K Run will be at the AOH tent the day of the event. For early registration visit Owen’s Pub, located at 119 East 17th Street in North Wildwood. A $15 entry fee is required to participate and cash prizes will be awarded to winners.
Saturday’s entertainment continues at 10 a.m. with the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition, located at 8th and Central Avenues. The exhibition will feature some of the best pipe bands in the East. FREE Irish dance lessons will also be available on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Food Court Stage.
On Saturday night, head to the concert at Wildwood Catholic High School, located at 15th and New Jersey Avenues in North Wildwood. See performances by singer/songwriter Cathy Maguire and award winning fiddler player Haley Richardson. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For advance ticket sales visit the Wildwood Catholic High School during business hours or through mail by sending a check along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. For more information call Wildwood Catholic High School at 609-522-7257.
On Sunday, September 27, everyone is welcome to celebrate the faith and heritage of the Irish at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, located at Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues, for a 10:30 a.m. mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Honor Guard and a liturgical bag piper soloist. A special parade will follow the mass at 12:30 p.m. at 20th and Surf Avenues, continuing to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues.
Due to the large attendance the Irish Fall Festival attracts, shuttle bus transportation will be available to ensure festival-goers are able to easily get around and enjoy all of the activities planned for the weekend. Buses will loop continuously in North Wildwood from 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues along Surf Avenue to 26th Avenue. Shuttle bus service through Wildwood and Wildwood Crest will also be available. For detailed information please call 609-884-5230 or visit www.gatrolley.com.
For additional information about the 24th Annual Irish Fall Festival, please call 800-IRISH-91 or visit www.CMCAOH.com.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.