Irish eyes will be smiling at this news.
The 30th annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival is being planned as an in-person event. Its return was announced Tuesday, the day before St. Patrick’s Day.
“We are trying to be creative,” said Mairin Petrone, the festival’s executive director. “Our slogan is ‘Irish eyes will be still be smiling above the face mask.’ You can see in someone’s eyes if they are smiling.”
She’s certainly happy being able to talk about the three-day event scheduled for Sept. 10-12 at the Lots of Sandcastle in West Homestead. The annual get-together promotes Irish culture through music, dance, food and education.
The festival was canceled last year because of the pandemic.
Arrangements are tentative, Petrone said. She will continue to evaluate the schedule and logistics the next few months.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement Monday set occupancy limits for outdoor events at 50% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size.
Petrone said the space at Sandcastle is large enough for guests to safely distance. She said they will monitor the number of people.
There won’t be timed ticketing but it’s best to buy tickets in advance here. Refunds will be provided in the event of cancellation because of the pandemic.
“I am grateful every day to be part of such a phenomenal and long-standing organization,” Petrone said. “The founders — sisters, Maura and Nan Krushinski with support from Tom Petrone — have built a foundation. People want to come to this event every year.”
She said they will have archival footage and photos from the past 29 years. Petrone, a Squirrel Hill native, said generations of families attend.
“This year’s festival brings us 30 years of friendship, love and loyalty,” Petrone said. “Things might look a little different, but the Irish are resilient and adaptable and will come back stronger than ever.”
Entertainers include Gaelic Storm and Screaming Orphans. The food menu will feature Irish stew, bread pudding, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
Organizers also are exploring virtual components. Petrone has applied for grants to help finance recording the event so it will be available to watch at no cost.
Seating for musical performances will be spaced 6 feet apart. There will be VIP spaces closer to the stage.
Signs will read “Stay six leprechauns away from each other.”
