Irish culture, music, and cuisine will be celebrated in Historic Downtown Long Grove over the Labor Day Weekend Sept. 2-4 for Irish Days.
The fun will run from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, and 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday.
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“We have great traditional music and entertainment all day long,” said John Kopecky, organizer and master of ceremonies of Irish Days.
The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band will be dressed in kilts to perform traditional music. The popular group is on the schedule every day of the event. The Chicago-based band has been a fixture since 1926 at parades, weddings and funerals. They have performed locally, nationally, and internationally.
Other musical entertainment will be provided by the Academy of Irish Music, The Boils, The Larkin & Moran Brothers, Trinity School of Dance, Gavin Coyle, The Dooleys & Jimmy Moore, The Joyce Boys, Hogan School of Dance, Kathleen Keane & Jim Conway, and The Chancers.
The McNulty Dancers participate in Irish Days in Long Grove every year. This year they will perform on Saturday and Sunday. They plan to have six dancers from the company perform on Saturday and eight on Sunday.
“We love the atmosphere and, of course, the dancers love to perform and share their love of Irish dance,” said Barbara McNulty, founder of the McNulty School of Irish Dance.
“The dancers will perform the traditional dances of Ireland, such as the jig and reel in light shoes, and traditional sets and hornpipes in heavy shoes. They will also dance team dances.”
Kopecky said that one highlight this year will be a performance of the U2 cover band Without U2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
“They’re very good,” he said. “What better Irish band music than to have U2?”
Pooch parents can enter their pet in a Dog Contest on Sunday or Monday. “Two years and older is the King and Queen Division; Two years and under is the Prince and Princess Division,” Kopecky said.
The organizer chooses children to judge the competition.
“I pick young kids because they don’t know breeds and there’s no prejudice. They just look into the dog’s heart,” Kopecky explained. “The dog can have three legs and be blind in one eye but they might pick that dog. Invariably some mongrel will win. We give them a little trophy and bragging rights.”
Kopecky noted that many of the pup parents dress their pets in elaborate Irish costumes.
Men who are bold can compete for the title of Best Legs in a Kilt. Interested men can register at the event and either wear their own kilt or borrow one at the event free of charge.
There will also be traditional foods for sale, as well as a favorite of young festivalgoers.
“The Lions Club is going to sell Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Soda Bread,” Kopecky reported. “We’re going to have hot dogs for the kids (from DJ Dogs).” In addition, Canta Napoli will be creating an Irish-inspired menu for the event. And, of course, there will be beer.
Irish Days
When: Sept. 2-4
Where: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
Tickets: Admission and parking are free
Information: 847-634-0888; longgrove.org/festivals/irish-days
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Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.