CelticMKE Milwaukee Irish Fest Irish Fest Scrapbook School of Music Summer School Ward Irish Music Archives
During the second year of Milwaukee Irish Fest in 1982, our mascot, Paddy McFest, made his debut along with the Theater Stage, a petting zoo and Irish athletic teams from Chicago. A Thursday Hooley Night included a Merrill Park reunion, music workshops and a dart competition. Cultural activities grew through historical and literary exhibits, craft area lectures and demonstrations.
Headlining acts included De Danann, Touchstone, Green Fields of America, Tannahill Weavers, Joe Feeney, John Gary, Paddy Reilly, The Chieftains, Mary McGonigle, Schooner Fare, Tommy Makem & Liam Clancy, and Joe and Antoinette McKenna. Dancers included the Trinity Irish Dancers and the Walsh Irish Dancers. The Milwaukee Junior Showcase featured performances from area youth performers.
Attendance was 50,274 Tickets were $1 for Thursday; $4 at the gate Friday through Sunday; $3 advance. Festival-goers dressed as leprechauns were admitted free each day of Irish Fest (complete costumes only).
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