CelticMKE Milwaukee Irish Fest Irish Fest Scrapbook School of Music Summer School Ward Irish Music Archives
Molly McFest made her debut at the 1985 Milwaukee Irish Fest, and a petting zoo was introduced. Raffle prizes totaled $6,500, and a photo contest was held along with the baking contest. The Clan Reunion Area was introduced celebrating the Murphy and O’Neill families.
A new stage was introduced as the Irish Cabaret Stage. Performers for the 1985 Irish Fest included Barley Bree, Schooner Fare, Battlefield Band, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, Cuz Teahan and Friends, Noel Henry’s Irish Showband, Mary McGonigle, Joe Feeney, Dermot O’Brien, Dublin City Ramblers, Green Fields of America and Stocktons Wing. Cashel Irish Dancers, Moincoin Irish Dancers, Tully Irish Dancers, Walsh Irish Dancers, Trinity Irish Dancers and the Caledonian Irish Dancers performed.
The cultural area presented the work of 16 craftspeople from Counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Offaly. Pencil sketches from Mary McSweeney, The Irish Lace Tradition and an exhibit on The Milwaukee Irish: Pat O’Brien.
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