Meet The Staff

In baseball, you have what's called a utility man. Your catcher pulls a hammie? Put in your utility man. Second baseman go out after getting spiked in the shin? Call on your utility man. Hot dog vendor has a heart attack? Utility man. At Irish Fest, we've got one of those too. One of those people who is always there saying "how can I help?" One of those guys who's always busy. One of those guys who make the rest of look like slackers. Last year, our utility man was everywhere, doing everything, all the time. A couple of times, when I thought I was doing something? Turned out it was actually him. Freaky.

Today, meet our utility man, Stevan Ryan.

Tell us a little about yourself, Stevan.

Retired from IBM Corporation and live in Olathe. Gretchen (wife) retired from xpedx. Teach computer intro classes for JoCo Libraries. Work on PC at IMCC. Help with Hospital Hill, KC Marathon and numerous races in KC area. Also fly hot air balloon for fun.

Also avoid using personal pronouns. Just kidding, sorry. Describe your job(s) at Irish Fest for us.

Help organize and stage the Luck of the Irish Trot. I will also be assisting with the Site Foreman duties.

You are way too modest. How did you get involved in KCIF?

I was working at Reunion Tent during 2004 Fest and asked someone about getting involved in the Irish Fest. He told me about the monthly meeting so I dropped in on the January meeting. I had served as General Chairman for the Wichita River Festival for two years. At that time, the River Festival ran for ten days and had 70 events. I really enjoyed working on the River Festival so wanted to help with the KCIF.

And help you do. What do you like best about the Fest?

The people - attendees, volunteers, and staff/committee. I really enjoyed working as a Site Host last year and hope I can do it again.

So when you're at Irish Fest this year, if you see somebody doing something somewhere, there's a pretty good chance it's Stevan. Be sure to say hello.