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So we had a great year at Irish Fest. Our best ever as a matter of fact. So, you ask, what do we do with the money? Fair question.

First we pay piles of bills. Bands, vendors, light and sound, tents, tables and chairs, insurance...all told some $600,000 + to put the party on. Then we put some in the bank. Our goal- and we're not there yet- is to have enough reserve to survive a year or two of disastrous conditions like we had back in 2003 when we got 11 inches of rain and damn near lost our soggy shirts. Then what's left, we give to you. But you have to ask nicely.

Irish Fest grant requests are due next week at the end of the month. If you have an Irish dream that we can help come true, apply today. All the details and restrictions are here, as well as an application. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Unfortunately Irish Fest staff can't get these grants, so my idea for a grant to investigate the most comfortable bar stools in local Irish pubs isn't going to fly.

If you have a better idea, get that application in today.