A large crowd watches the Hogan Irish Dancers perform during Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, August 9, 2024.
John Starks/[email protected]
The Arlington Heights Historical Museum opened its doors and courtyard to hundreds of visitors Friday evening for the annual Irish Fest at 110 W. Fremont St. in downtown Arlington Heights.
The Hogan Irish Dancers opened the festivities with performances by dancers as young as 4 years old. Groups performed the traditional dance style, known for its fast footwork and limited upper body movement, while parents recorded video with their phones and cheered them on.
They were followed on stage by Bohola, a traditional Irish guitar and accordion band. Classical Blast in Kilts closed the stage show with Irish violin and guitar music.
The Hogan Irish Dancers perform as young dancers watch from the stage during Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, August 9, 2024.
John Starks/[email protected]
All the while, a leprechaun character from Acrodazzle Entertainment walked around the grounds, chatting with festival-goers who wore green beaded necklaces and ate green marshmallows from the Chicago Marshmallow Company.
A leprechaun tries to entice children to accompany him to Irish Fest! at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum on Friday evening, August 9, 2024.
John Starks/[email protected]
The Historical Museum was open and the free event drew a large crowd from 5 to 10 p.m. It was the first of three weekend events at the museum sponsored by the Arlington Heights Park District. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Heritage Fest features The Internationals, Barefoot Hawaiian, Black History Through Dance and Aztec Dance Chicago. Then, from 5 to 10 p.m. tonight, Bands and Brews features a suckling pig dinner, games and live performances by VIBE Dancers, Abby Kay Band and Exit 147 The Band.
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