Festival Info: Comments

Here's what others are saying about the Indy Irish Fest.  Want to let us know what you think?  Email us at Comments!
Hello!
I'm Valentina. I'm a Brazilian who have been living in Indianapolis for 6 months with my husband Rafael. I went to the Indy Irish Festival this year and I loved it! The thing I liked most was the joy of the Irish people. But one thing in special called my attention: the songs of the group Banshee. They were awesome!
Thanks and congratulations for the festival!
Valentina
Good festival! I never got to vote for my "favorite band" but I wanted you to know that the Barra MacNeils are fabulous. They are top-quality musicians and I appreciate the work of the festival staff in getting such good entertainment. As well, Liz Carrol is top-notch. And the weather couldn't have been better if it had been special ordered! Thanks,
Brenda
 

I come from Chicago for this fest.  It is a very nice fest, good entertainment and workable in a weekend.  Just the right size.  The web site is super.  Very easy to navigate and has all and more info that you need.  Nice job
Trish
 

Good morning~
Are the dates set for next year?  This was our first visit to the event (we have a little dancer) and look forward to spending much more time on site next year.  I’d like to block the dates now!
Thank you, Mary Beth

 

Our Volunteers are the BEST!!!
"I also wanted to let you know how much we greatly appreciated all your help in getting the word out about this year's Indianapolis Feis.  Many people from your organization volunteered and we are especially grateful for their help.  They did such a wonderful job and greatly contributed to the success of this year's feis.  Our volunteers are the best and people attending the feis have commented on how helpful the volunteers were this year.  So a big thank you for all your efforts and to those who volunteered."

Cathi Ramsey, Volunteer Chair, Indianapolis Feis.

Thank you and the rest of your team once again for a wonderful festival!  This is the fourth year we've driven from St. Louis and plan on making the trip every year.  We missed Off Kilter desperately and, like everyone else, have Randy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.  We would love to have them back for 2006!  We, also, had suggested Brother to you last year and want to thank you for bringing them in - we enjoyed them and their music very much!  We hope you will invite them once again to your beautiful city.  Please think about bringing The Fenians back again, too!  They were missed this year.
 
You all do such a wonderful job - this is one festival we look forward to making every year!  Thanks again for a job well done!
 
Debbie
 

Dear Sir/Madam.........My family drove down from Chicago to Indianapolis for the second year in a row to attend the Indy Irish fest!!  Thank you once again for an absolutely wonderful time!!  The Hilton Hotel provided wonderful accommodations for us and the beautiful city of Indianapolis was bountiful for our explorations for shopping and good food!  We attended Sunday mass and the entertainment was great!  Needless to say........I missed Off Kilter very much but I understand that Randy had a misfortune in his family.  He will be in my prayers.  I was fortunate enough to see Gaelic Storm for the first time and HAD TO bring one of their CDs home with me.  They are wonderful..........as is Bridget's Cross.   I look forward to next year's fest (and I am 100% Italian!)  You and the rest of the committee do a wonderful job!!  Thank you again. 
 
Sincerely,
Cookie W.
 

Congratulations to everyone for another great Indy Irish Fest. It’s truly a great event and my family and I always look forward to it. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for it to be here again.
Mark


My husband and I have been coming to your festival for years and always enjoyed it! It's one of our favorites. This year we really enjoyed the music more than ever. We come in for Brigid's Cross and follow them anytime we can. But, this year we also enjoyed Brother & Gaelic Storm-Great, great additions & hopefully repeat performers at your festival! This year definitely had the best music; But we really missed Off Kilter and hope and pray for Randy & his family. We will definitely see you next year again of course-as long as Brigid's Cross is there.
Well done!!!
peace,
-theresa

We came up from Cincy for the weekend and glad we did. Indianapolis is a beautiful city, clean, easy to walk around and find things, opposite of Cincy. This was our only chance to see Brother this year, so we had to come. Glad to see so many little ones at the festival. Thanks
Jim and Kathy


I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the fest this year.(2005)  I think this year's entertainment was among the best.  I thought Gaelic Storm is about the best group you have brought in.  Their style, music, personality and crowd pleasing humor and just the ability to completely entertain was a smart addition on the part of the committee.   Thanks for a great time.

Kathy


My friends and I have attended the Indy Irish Fest for the last 3 years now, and I have to say that it gets better every year. You all put on a phenomenal festival. Many MANY thanks from all of us. We can't wait for next year! - Joshua


This year was the first year I attended your festival and I must say I had a wonderful time!

The weather and the entertainment were phenomenal! I was able to catch several bands, although the Fenians stood out for me. They were great! Their music has so much energy and is so much fun! Who could ask for a better weekend? Thank you and I hope to come back next year! -Christine


Just wanted to let you know that you guys did a fantastic job as usual with Indy Irish Fest 2004; I especially appreciated the entertainment- the dancing was amazing to watch and all the bands were great (especially Off Kilter!). It's nice to have an event that combines heritage celebration and bands like Off Kilter that you rarely find in the area (I live in IL) so the choice is between traveling to Florida and driving a few hours to Indianapolis). Thanks for a spectacular
production and I look forward to Indy 2005! -Sarah


We got to the festival Saturday morning and spent Saturday night at The Westin (thanks for getting such a great rate, the beds there were GREAT!!). We had such a wonderful time on Saturday and Sunday. The weather could not have been better and the performers top notch as usual. I am a big Off Kilter fan and getting to see 3 one hour shows was incredible (and a lot cheaper than a trip to Disney World!). I really enjoyed Jamie Holton's bagpipe demo. I hope that it will be a repeat event next year. Do you have an idea of when the 2005 festival will be? I know, I'm a little anxious and you've hardly taken a breath since the 2004 festival finished! Thanks to you and all the other volunteers who made the festival the success that it was. Being Catholic, I really appreciated the Celtic Mass on Sunday (and the fact that it wasn't really early!!).

Thanks again, - Kathy


Ciamar a tha sibh?

I just wanted to tell you that my son and I enjoyed ourselves more than words can express. Since we attended the festival we have learned that we have Scottish and Irish heritage so our hearts were just overjoyed with all the music and programs your committee set up. We both look forward to next year and the many years to come. Thank everyone for all their hard work as many enjoyed it the fruits of their labor.

mar sin liebh, an-drasda
-Donna & Kevin


It was a great weekend. We had lots of fun and looking forward to next year. -Greg

Scottish Society of Indianapolis


Just wanted to let you know we loved this year's event, and I especially enjoyed listening to Gael Sli. I hope you'll have them back next year! -Michelle


Each year it [the irishfest ] keeps getting better and better!! thanks -the Burtons' of Medora , Indiana


Thanks for letting us be a part of Irish Fest! - William


Congratulations! What a production! You guys did a great job! I hope the festival was a smashing success. Judging by the crowd I saw on Saturday, I would guess it was. I had a great time and spent loads of cash. You deserve a nap or vacation or something. See ya soon! Slainte -Vince W.


Congratulations on a great Fest. A huge thank you to the committee for all their hard work. -Pam


Thank you very much (and all volunteers) for all your hard work! We had a great time. Brigid's Cross was the best!
-Joe & family


Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a great time we had this weekend. We came from the Medina, Ohio area (near Cleveland) primarily to see Off Kilter however we enjoyed the entire weekend and are planning to attend again next year. It was just a fantastic weekend. - Tom & Clare


I just had to write and let you know what an incredible time we had at the Irish Fest this past weekend. We just found out about the Irish Fest last year and went for one day. This year we wised up and stayed at The Westin Saturday night (thanks for the great rate)! The weather was perfect and the performers could not have been any better (Off Kilter especially....men in kilts!!). I really enjoyed Jamie Holton's bagpipe demo on Saturday. I hope that it will be repeated next year. I only wish that I had driven down on Friday night. Oh well, there's always next year! Thanks again for putting on such a fun festival. - Kathy


The Irish Fest was wonderful, again. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot that was close by on Senate and New York, but failed to reserve far enough ahead of time to get the discount (which I would have loved). I'll remember to give advance notice next time. I've wondered about a particular songstress of late...Loreena McKennitt...do you think the Irish Fest would be able to latch onto her? She'd be a great act. I enjoyed all the performers this year and was particularly impressed with Culchies and Off Kilter. Thanks for putting together a wonderful fair. - J.


2003 Festival Comments

Greetings! Thanks for putting on such an amazing festival! We love coming and spending the weekend and every year it gets better and better!! Thanks for bringing Gael Force! They are great and feel so lucky to get to see them Please have them again in ‘04 Keep up the great work! See you next year -Lynda


My husband and I and our friends had a great time! That was the first time we had been in downtown Indianapolis and couldn't believe how beautiful it is. Thank you Indianapolis for being such good hosts. We'll be back again. -Diana


I just wanted to drop a note of "Thanks!" for the Irish festival last weekend. Three of us drove from St. Louis, MO and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! I was especially impressed with the top-notch Irish musicians and the Celtic Footforce. The committee did a WONDERFUL job coordinating the events and I look forward to returning next year! - Amy


It was my 1st yr @IRISHFEST. I dearly loved every minute of it. The dancers were AWESOME:) as well as the band at the other stage (Cathy Morris) who played the fiddle so BEAUTIFULLY:) I was totally impressed! Thank You Timothy Guy Green, who's family emigrated from Cork, during the Great Potato Famine.----- - Tim


Congratulations! Everyone I talked to had a great time, that’s a great measure of success. I am already looking forward to next year! -John


Wanted to let you know that this was a wonderful Festival to attend! We drove from St. Louis and stayed the whole weekend. Off Kilter was WONDERFUL and want to ask that you bring them back next year! It would be nice to see them be one of the headliners since they really got the audience going! Would like to suggest another band to you - BROTHER from California - they bring in the crowds, also. Would love to see those two bands play at the next festival if possible! Thanks again for another great year and look forward to attending next year!
-Debbie


The Irish Festival was a spellbinding event. I truly enjoyed all of the music, the merchandise, and the food. I particularly enjoyed the Celtic fusion music that Cathy Morris was playing. She was fantastic, so were the Fenians, Off Kilter...well, just everybody! I'll certainly come back again next year and will try to reserve all three days for the event. I hope you'll keep all interested parties well informed. I go to college on the campus just across from Military Park and actually came across the Irish Festival by accident two years back. I've been hopping in at least once every time since then. Bravo and well done to all who participated in putting this worthy event into motion. -Johnathan


My family had a terrific time! We came on Friday evening to see a group that we had seen last year at the Scottish Festival and enjoyed them again. Thanks again for a great evening! -LMP


Thank you and the committee. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, please let me know when the dates for next year are set. I don't want to be on vacation and miss it. The music was outstanding, good ample food vendors, and great beer.
- Bill


My entire family attended Friday night, including my mother, sister and her husband and their little girl (age 2.5). I have 3 girls myself ages 2 to 8 and they had a fantastic time, dancing to Gael Sli and the other bands. My mother got a big kick out of talking to all the shop vendors that were from Ireland, as her grandmother was born in Galway Bay. So we had a lot of fun talking about our Irish heritage, dancing to the Irish music and, of course, what Irish do best, drinking our beer. We will all be back next year! Thanks so much for putting on such a fun-filled event. God be with you.
-Randy


The festival was wonderful. It was my first visit to this event (definitely not my last!). I truly enjoyed all the entertainment - the music was incredible, the dancers were great and the food was delicious. I am of Irish descent and the sights and sounds tugged at the roots of my soul...thank you much!
-Kim


My husband and I enjoyed the festival very much. Off Kilter was terrific. We hope that you continue to have them every year. We look forward to next year's festival.
- Sandy


what a bloody brilliant weekend it was - looking forward to next year.
-jacki


And thanks to all who make this happen! It was a wonderful time. I really enjoyed Danъ and Killoran the best of all. Perhaps some Irish bakers would be nice next year. -Laura


We had a blast...our Family tent was great, and the music was fantastic! Please bring the Prodigals back for the entire weekend...I love those guys. I also want to volunteer next year....should I watch for the web site? -Jennie


We had so much fun this year at the Irish Fest! I came with 3 friends and 3 babies----everything was roomy & friendly. We spent lots of money :) Would love to see more traditional foods--but I suppose people always buy the same ol same ol anyway...... The music was Fantastic!!! We will be there for sure next year! -Sily


I have to say I really enjoyed myself this being my first year. There were some of my friends that spotted me and came up to me at the festival. I really enjoyed OFF KILTER. I seen them in Florida and was glad to see them again. I look forward to coming back next year and in the future. What a great festival. -Mary Margaret


My son, my brother, his wife, their 18-year-old son, and I attended this
year's festival on Saturday. The weather was almost perfect: sunny, bright
sky, breezy. Warm enough that the breeze and the shade from the big trees
felt good. The three entertainment stages were placed so that no matter
where you were on the grounds, you could hear music. The food was good, and
the Irish Market was great! We were mainly there to hear Off Kilter, but
all of the musical acts were wonderful. -Jude


The festival was absolutely wonderful !! It was so well planned and orchestrated. Your many, many months of planning were evident and it seemed as if it were a well-choreographed ballet. I tip my hat to ya! The Irish Fest is something very big and offers a great variety of entertainment, food, vendors, heritage and cultural exhibits so that everyone is able to enjoy it. Cead mile faelte was certainly felt the moment we entered the park area.

Thank you for being so gifted and sharing your talents with so many. I believe many will retain some sense of Irish identity because of your willingness to work very hard touching the lives of many, many people.

Have a very well-deserved rest knowing you have accomplished a great task !!!
-Maryann


I visited on Saturday with a friend and enjoyed the day so very much. And to see the many kilts was wonderful. It is my hope to attend many more festivals in the future.
-Becky


Dear Kith and Kin:

The Scottish Society of Indianapolis has always received a warm welcome from our Celtic cousins.
The Indianapolis Irish Festival gives us a rare opportunity to explain why the Scots celebrate St. Patrick.  He was, after all, born in Scotland, and try to imagine a St. Patrick's Day Parade without kilted bagpipers.  The kilt, the bagpipe, and St. Columba came to Scotland from Ireland, but Patrick came to Ireland from Scotland.

I am, yours, aye!

Carson C. Smith, FSA Scot

Scottish Society of Indianapolis
Office of the President (1991-92 and 2000-03)


Hi- My wife and I, along with some friends attended your festival for the first time in 2002 - driving in all the way from Cleveland. We already have hotel reservations for 2003 and we're VERY EXCITED about the possibility of the Fenians being added to your festival. They are great performers and are truly terrific people. Of course, the whole reason we came out in the first place was because of Brigid's Cross, so they're a MUST for your festival. I also love Off Kilter and The Prodigals, and we enjoyed Gael Force (which we saw for the first time at Indy last year). So we'll be there with bells on in September. Thanks for all your hard work. Can't wait. Chris W. Lyndhurst, Ohio


Hey!

I drove up from Speed, Indiana Sunday and attended your festival with my Noblesville son and his fiancee. We had a very good time. Thank you for the smiles.

Michael C.