Money, Honey

We've been talking a lot as we plan Irish Fest this year about the crappy state of the economy in our country and community. When you count on people using a bit of their increasingly precious discretionary income to support your event, you'd be irresponsible not to talk about it. But you know, when you get right down to it, we think Irish Fest is a pretty good deal. 

A day pass bought in advance is still only eight bucks. Two gallons of gas. That's about 66¢ an hour if you stay all day Saturday or Sunday. Parking in 5000 covered spots is free. If you don't want to park, leave that gas guzzler at home and take the Max bus right to our front door for a buck and a quarter. Kids still get in free. We've instituted a $10 all day play pass in our kid's area so you won't get dollar billed to death on the bouncy things. We've increased the costs of exactly nothing for 2008. Our hotels continue to offer discounted rates and free festival tickets. And as always, you can get in free and go home with a free souvenir T-shirt simply by giving us 4 hours of your time as a volunteer.

We know money's tight. Believe us, we know. Our costs to put this thing on have skyrocketed. But we're doing what we can to keep the Kansas City Irish Fest a fun, affordable weekend for you and your family. Little things you probably won't even notice. Like no more toilet paper in the port-o-potties. Throw-rugs in place of expensive stages. Having singers shout to save on expensive amplification. Squirting beer directly into people's mouths to save on expensive cups. Using angry, feral dogs instead of costly fencing to secure the grounds. Maybe we can even get Ed Scanlon to stop embezzling. *

Yes, times are tough. But without a weekend of Irish music, culture and fun to cap off your summer, they'd seem a lot tougher. I hope you'll come see us. In 59 days.

*These cost cutting ideas have not been approved by the board of directors of the Kansas City Irish Fest.