Festival Info: Festival Organization & Philanthropy

The Indianapolis Irish Festival is in its 17th year. The festival is an opportunity to share Irish heritage through music, dance, cultural activities, and family fun. The festival was the vision of a small group of people who wanted to showcase the heritage, music and culture of the Irish people and the contributions of that culture to our city and state. The Irish are the second largest ethnic group to settle in the Indianapolis area. They have served the community in the fields of religion, education, medicine, law, the arts, politics and commerce.

Contact Us

(317) 713-7117
Info Request by Email
 

Indy’s Irish Festival committee, an all volunteer 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, was formed in 1996 to host the first festival.  Its mission is to preserve, promote and nurture Irish culture, arts, music, and history.   The festival has grown significantly over the years and with it, so has the festival’s support of charities and community organizations.  Since its inception, the festival has made donations to or helped community organizations raise more than $80,000. 

Benefiting Organizations

The organizations that have benefited in the past or are benefiting this year include:

  • Katrina Hurricane Relief
 

In addition to the money raised for the various charities, since 2003, $30,000 has been given directly to students pursuing further study in the area of Celtic dance, music, art or history/language.  The 2010 recipients will be awarded on Sunday, September 19th.

2012 Festival Committee

The Irish Festival committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who work 50 weeks a year in their spare time to make the festival possible.
Terry Sweeney Co Chair
Mary Coffey Co Chair
Alice Davis Past Chair/Education Outreach
R.J Arentzen Volunteers
Caryn Bacon Volunteers
Steve Bolden Volunteers
Jamie Bridges Volunteers
Rufus Campbell Entertainment
Linda Caraher Cultural Area
Mark Caraher Operations/Cultural Area
Mag Chrapla Children's Area
Joseph Coffey Operations
Vickey Gootee Volunteers
Pam Greene Volunteers
Tim Griffin Food Vendors
John Hegarty Operations
David Johnston Operations
Anne Kennedy Merchandise Vendors
Peg McCain Volunteers
Kate Miller Education Outreach
Kevin Murray Legal Counsel
Ryan Myers Treasury
John Noone Security
Ellen O'Brien Volunteers
Tom O'Brien Entertainment/Volunteers
Erin O'Rourke Children's Area
Brock Roseberry Hospitality