1997 Milwaukee Irish Fest
The 1997 Milwaukee Irish Fest was the first year we published and advertised bands for the Grand Gathering. Unfortunately, the weekend also had almost three days of rain.
The Quirk clan celebrated a reuinion and other activities included the Celtic Canines, Top o’ the Mornin’ Run/Walk, Baking contest, Tug-of-War, Freckle Contest, Treasure Hunt, Gaeltacht, and Parades.
The Cultural Village had exhibits celebrating our Celtic Roots and the later Celtic Revival, walk through Irish stone sites such as Newgrange and Loughcrew, and information about Celtic artistry and design.
Entertainers included Solas, Cherish the Ladies, Tommy Makem, Hal Roach, Nomos, The Whole Shabang, The Irish Rovers; Rock, Salt And Nails; Moving Cloud, Storm, More Power to Your Elbow, The Makem Brothers, and Joe Derrane with Zan McLeod. A special reunion show was held with the Black Family.
Dancers included were the Trinity Irish Dancers, Caledonian Scottish Dancers, Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers, Mullane Irish Dance Academy, and Milwaukee School of Highland Dance.