tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128420552012-02-02T10:49:35.345-06:00Your Inside Guide to the 10th Annual Kansas City Irish Fest at Crown Center. August 31-September2 2012. Visit us at www.kcirishfest.comDan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.comBlogger35971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-64117888600820668212012-02-02T10:49:00.000-06:002012-02-02T10:49:35.357-06:00

The annual IMAs were awarded over the past weekend. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Irish Fest alums Quinn and Qristina Bachand and Téada. Top Solo Performer in Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK) Ryan Kelly Top Solo Performer in a Pub Venue (US, IRE, EU, UK) George Donaldson Top Duo in a Pub, Festival, Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK) Qristina & Quinn Bachand Top Group (US, IRE, EU, UK) The

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-67337055117508072202012-02-02T07:28:00.003-06:002012-02-02T08:47:50.699-06:00

It promises to be another mild, spring-like day here on the banks of the wide Missouri, but back east that prognosticating Pennsylvania prairie pup says we're going to have 6 more weeks of winter. Which raises the question: can we have more of something we haven't had yet? Incidentally, speaking of the passage of time, the 10th anniversary Kansas City Irish Fest opens 211 days from this day

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-77927744075693454032012-02-01T07:30:00.000-06:002012-02-01T07:30:03.452-06:00

A new tenant in the beautiful Raglan Road space is scheduled to open in just over a month. The Dubliner will ring in the Irish season at the corner of 14th and Grand. I wonder if they'll leave the brass plate with my name on it on my bar stool...

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-80633796830418762512012-01-31T10:06:00.000-06:002012-01-31T10:06:14.773-06:00

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-48572714524339847422012-01-30T11:29:00.000-06:002012-01-30T11:29:01.204-06:00

The 2012 Kansas City Irish Fest official mascot cow will be unveiled here, yes right here at Tir na Blog, tomorrow, Tuesday! Mark your calendars! Alert the media! DO NOT MOVE from your computer for the next 24 hours! So much excitement...

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-74591600742652795452012-01-27T11:02:00.000-06:002012-01-27T11:02:46.930-06:00

After a months-long hibernation, those youngsters at the Irish Fest Kids' Club are back at the helm of their blog this week. Spring must be just around the corner. You kids go check them out and visit often. You grown ups stay here. There's beer in the fridge.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-18166438650430167132012-01-27T10:57:00.001-06:002012-01-27T11:39:34.861-06:00

As we put together the entertainment for the up coming 10th Kansas City Irish Fest, once again my mind wanders (if you see it wandering, send it home please) to performers and performances that stand out for me over the decade. Granted, since I'm usually working during the festival I don't see as much music as I'd like. But driving into work this morning a song came up on the iPod that I did see

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-79959608537634941462012-01-24T11:06:00.001-06:002012-01-24T11:17:11.727-06:00

The lineup and schedules for the upcoming WinterFest at the Kansas City Irish Fest have been released, with a special treat for Irish Fest fans. Festival favorite Colin Grant will be headlining the last of the Friday night ceilis. And that's just the icing on the whole big musical cake that is WinterFest. Dig: Saturday, February 11th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – William Morris 4:30-5:30 p.m. – The

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-33464688443103425782012-01-18T11:11:00.001-06:002012-01-18T11:14:53.353-06:00

If you feel a disturbance in the force this coming Saturday morning, it might be because of the annual gathering of all the men, women, and Craig Duke who serve or have served on the Kansas City Irish Fest board of directors. Once every 12 months this collection of kahunas meet (pictured above is last year's meeting) for the better part of an otherwise perfectly good Saturday to talk big picture

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-26401552386530493632012-01-18T10:55:00.000-06:002012-01-18T10:55:00.393-06:00

Yeah, so it's it's as cold as Maggie Thatcher's heart here in Mooville and Irish Fest is a long 226 days (the gestational period of a grizzly bear in case you were wondering) away. But St. Patrick's Day is sort of right around the corner, or a few corners anyway and this one going to be special. For one thing it's on a Saturday this year. Whoohoo! For another thing it's going to be sunny and

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-11505861773621409002012-01-13T12:32:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:32:35.247-06:00

See, here's why the internet is a bad thing. No, not because it allows this blog to exist, though you could make a case for that, too. No, because I was happily going about my business, not a care in the world when a friend ended an email by saying "hope you're having a good Friday the 13th!" I hadn't realized it was Friday the 13th obviously or I wouldn't have gotten out of bed, let alone

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-58768486797470255192012-01-13T09:24:00.000-06:002012-01-13T09:24:53.107-06:00

Driving in to Other Job this morning I passed as I do each day the Marriott Hotel just up the hill from the Country Club Plaza shopping district near my palatial home. And there outside the hotel I saw, walking down the sidewalk in 13° temperatures, a guy in a skirt kilt. Which can only mean one thing. Well, it could mean a couple things, but since I don't feel like getting beaten up by Scotsmen

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-75845517421761700852012-01-12T07:45:00.000-06:002012-01-12T07:45:57.590-06:00

It was late getting here, but you knew it was coming. The sun is rising now over snow in Cowtown. Not a lot, but it's a sign of things to come. Winter took its sweet time, but it's here. We're entering what they call the dead of winter. The holidays are over, St. Patrick's Day is but a twinkle in our Irish eye. Irish Fest is a green blip in the far corner of the radar screen. The next several

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-15196612555390476662012-01-11T10:10:00.001-06:002012-01-11T10:10:40.092-06:00

We love The Elders here at Irish Fest. No big secret there. Love love love. We've grown up together after all. And their Sunday night throw down has become the must-see event of the weekend. So for us it's always exciting to hear that other people love them, too. For 'zample, these two recent reviews of the lads' latest disc. They glow like Chernobyl. Check it out: From 67music.net: Artist: The

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-42724424845325152692012-01-10T10:38:00.000-06:002012-01-10T10:38:44.182-06:00

A few weeks ago I was doing some Christmas shopping at Browne's Irish Market and picked up a little something for myself. "Songs of the Celtic Winter", the new CD by one of my favorite singers, Ashley Davis. It's a wonderful collection and don't think for a minute that this is a record that should only be played at holiday time. This is music that will warm you all winter and beyond. Ashley has

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-11463162389252529952012-01-05T15:00:00.000-06:002012-01-05T15:00:51.430-06:00

We've been talking a lot around here about our upcoming 10 year anniversary and with talk of anniversaries come memories and nostalgia. Which is why I found my mind wandering today to some of my favorite Irish Fest performers from the past. In our 9 years of KCIF, few singers can match John Spillane, in my humble opinion. This clip isn't from our stage and John wasn't here with his Gaelic Hit

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-38689266403210652952012-01-05T10:49:00.000-06:002012-01-05T10:49:06.485-06:00

From Special Irish Fest Pratie Popularity Correspondent Cami Travis-Groves: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette–According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 will be the Year of the Dragon. But according to the crystal balls of more than one watcher of food trends, it also will be "The Year of the Potato." So sayeth Andrew Freeman & Co., a San Francisco-based hospitality and restaurant consulting firm. Its detailed

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-20308327457633171082012-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:002012-01-05T07:54:35.067-06:00

In case you've been living in a sound-proof igloo the past 6 months or so, you know that the fledgling new year is one in which a presidential election will be held here in the U.S. In Iowa first and now New Hampshire, White House wanna-be's are slugging it out like boozy bridesmaids after a bounced bouquet. They should learn from the Kansas City Irish Fest. We changed presidents this week with

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-54005986608233907562012-01-02T07:22:00.000-06:002012-01-02T07:22:43.977-06:00

Saturday was not only the last day of the year, it was also the last day of the term on the Irish Fest board of directors for Erin Kiekbusch, better known to those of us inside the festival as Sunshine. If you've ever been lucky enough to have Erin turn her 1000 watt smile your way, you'll know how appropriate the nickname is. After many years as committee chair and head of the St. Patrick's Day

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-67080673473568966732011-12-31T11:58:00.000-06:002011-12-31T11:58:19.714-06:00

Barney Walsh ends his successful stint as KCIF President at midnight tonight. His parting thoughts: As my time at the helm of the USS KC Irish Fest comes down to the last few hours, it’s time to clear out the office and reflect on the year it was. We had an amazing festival this year. The music lineup, the crowd and the experience were overwhelming. We were blessed with beautiful Midwest

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-35250650870019683342011-12-25T08:47:00.000-06:002011-12-25T08:47:57.728-06:00

Happy Christmas to all of you from all of us the Kansas City Irish Fest. May your day be filled with laughter, good food, drink, family, friends and love. And thank you, thank you, thank you for giving us the best gift: your continuing support of our little Irish party.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-1234583573675914052011-12-21T22:30:00.000-06:002011-12-21T22:30:01.575-06:00

I've been neglectful of you all the past couple days, and I'm sorry. T'is the season you know. Lots of errand running agus merry-making and time slips away. Tonight for example, I was at a Winter Solstice party given by one of the shining lights of the Irish community here in Cowtown, Pete Browne and his lovely wife Julie. Last night was the Irish Center holiday hooley. Last Sunday, the KC Irish

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-79793102091663598722011-12-19T09:29:00.000-06:002011-12-19T09:29:38.210-06:00

As the year rolls to a close, there are changes in the leadership of your Kansas City Irish Fest that you should know about. I yield the floor to festival president Barney Walsh: Please join me in congratulating and welcoming the two newest members of the KCIF Board of Directors: Pete McCluskey and John Hayes  You’ll recognize Pete as the recipient (along with his wife Cece) of the 2011 Mr & Mrs

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-2718774691639685632011-12-18T11:47:00.003-06:002011-12-18T15:10:30.934-06:00

You know, nothing says Christmas to me like gambling on professional sports. So my old buddy Joe King with the Milwaukee Irish Fest and author of their great Peat Blog and I have a wee wager on today's game between his undefeated Green Bay Packers and our usually defeated Kansas City Chiefs. One six pack of locally brewed beer to the winner. Now I know the Chiefs are having something less than a

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-30236768030169909232011-12-15T09:33:00.000-06:002011-12-15T09:33:17.737-06:00

In keeping with our gifting theme this week, here's what those kings of Irish Fest The Elders want to slide down your chimney. Wow, that sounded dirty didn't it? Sorry. Anyway...from the lads: Season's Greetings From The Elders! Only 4 more days to take advantage of FREE shipping!Order by December 19 and you'll receive your merchandise before Christmas (US only) Only 4 more days to take

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-77070857370442792902011-12-14T07:45:00.003-06:002011-12-14T08:05:19.464-06:00

What do you give the Irish Fest lover who has everything? Irish Fest! At a special holiday discount. Beginning right now, you can buy tickets and Snug memberships for the 2012 Kansas City Irish Fest for that special someone (or yourself, why not? We won't tell.) at a 10th Anniversary holiday rate of 10% off.  For example a weekend Snug membership, the absolute best way to play the Irish Fest way

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-45392128602636708442011-12-13T07:00:00.000-06:002011-12-13T07:00:22.387-06:00

It's that most wonderful time of the year when you zip up your parka, hitch the ol' bob-tail to the sleigh and head out shopping for that perfect gift for that special blogger in your life. Or other people too, I guess. And today we've got a great idea to stretch your gift dollar. Forty bucks with of merchandise at Browne's Irish Market for only $20. My arithmetic skills aren't the top notch but

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-18825713327592106852011-12-07T09:34:00.000-06:002011-12-07T09:34:27.647-06:00

From Special Irish Fest Linquistic Lust Correspondent Cami Travis Groves: French Lose The Accent of Love...As The Irish Lilt is Voted World's Sexiest Daily Mail- There was a time when a Frenchman only had to order a pint of beer and women would collapse at his feet with desire. Well those days, they are, 'ow you say, fini! The Irish accent was yesterday voted the world's sexiest - knocking

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-54812488988621031622011-12-07T07:05:00.002-06:002011-12-07T07:18:11.819-06:00

From Special Irish Fest Effin' Social Networking Correspondent Joe King Proud Effin Woman Ann Marie Kennedy Irish Town Blacklisted by Facebook For Being 'Offensive' Daily Mail- Facebook has blacklisted the parish of Effin – for having an offensive name. The social networking site would not let Ann Marie Kennedy list Effin in Ireland’s County Limerick as her ‘hometown’ on her profile page as

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-83865078782297981792011-12-07T06:56:00.001-06:002011-12-07T09:17:23.124-06:00

Remember at Irish Fest when you saw that one band and you said to that guy next to you "they are so good, they should win some kind of award for outstanding music!" and then how you said "I like your fancy shoes!" and he looked at you funny and moved away real quick? Okay, forget that last part. But that first, yes, YES you're right! An award! And now in your own little way you can bestow that

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-51805025684856053502011-12-02T09:46:00.000-06:002011-12-02T09:46:22.692-06:00

When you get here for Irish Fest next year, don't think you're going to be staying at the Hyatt like you usually do. Forget it, man. It's over. Amazingly though, it has nothing to do with your questionable behavior this year and that stunt you pulled in the lobby fountain at 4:00 AM Sunday morning. No you can stay in the same building, but as of yesterday the Hyatt Regency Crown Center is no

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-50063677029978936742011-11-30T09:26:00.000-06:002011-11-30T09:26:16.492-06:00

Planning for the biggest Irish party to ever hit Cowtown are in full swing. I speak of course about the the 10th Anniversary Kansas City Irish Fest, coming up in just 275 days. Last night the stalwart Entertainment Committee (or the EC as we like to call ourselves) met to discuss and plan the best musical line up in our ten year history. It was dizzying, the names we were throwing around. Who's

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-7188601682430954912011-11-29T10:43:00.001-06:002011-11-30T09:11:32.013-06:00

Irish Fest past president and co-founder Ed Follis was quoted extensively in the local parer this morning in a story about the exhibit of Titanic artifacts coming this spring to Union Station. Ed and I both serve on the board of the Kansas City Irish Center, also located in Union Station and you can count on the Center having a big part of this important historical event. After all, as we all

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-88942892785092851512011-11-24T21:25:00.000-06:002011-11-24T21:25:31.639-06:00

I'm late with this post because of frap. See, my grandmother on the McCunniff side of the family always made cranberry frappe everything Thanksgiving. A kind of cranberry sorbet, all us kids and our assorted McCunniff cousins called it Pink Frap. My mom also made it every year and I grew up with it. Anyway it's kind of labor intensive and so it went by the wayside on the Thanksgiving menu

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-11131121775310366632011-11-21T16:57:00.000-06:002011-11-21T16:57:39.074-06:00

Big doings around the Irish Fest board table in these waning days of '11. See, we have term limits for board members so that Irish Fest doesn't end up being led forever by the tired, cranky old geezers who founded it. So every year we elect new cranky old geezers. Sometimes cranky young whippersnappers. Some years we have one board member hit the bricks, some years two. This year, one, as the

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-49393858181310884922011-11-15T09:18:00.003-06:002011-11-15T09:19:46.254-06:00

IrishCentral.com-An Irish-American tourist has captured photos of an apparent apparition of Jesus Christ at the Cliffs of Moher. Sandra Clifford, a pilot from San Francisco, captured the image on her digital camera when she visited the famous Co. Clare tourist attraction on November 4 last. Clifford (42) and her friend Fiona Fay from Drogheda Co. Louth were spellbound by what they saw and

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-2904135073028193952011-11-11T13:50:00.000-06:002011-11-11T13:50:56.444-06:00

I'm listening to Eddie Delahunt's new CD "Waltzing With Nancy"as I write this and here's what I think you should do. First of all, make plans to stop by Mike Kelly's Westsider this evening about 6:00 or so and catch Eddie's set. Have a pint or three of Boulevard Pale Ale. Order a basket of those great Westsider fries. And when Eddie takes a break walk right up to him and buy one of these discs

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-14458081765670010512011-11-11T09:10:00.000-06:002011-11-11T09:10:05.568-06:00

From all of us at the Kansas City Irish Fest, a sincere and heartfelt thank you on this Veterans Day to the men and women in uniform who give and have given so much to keep us safe, secure and free. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-25127841347496683642011-11-10T09:42:00.000-06:002011-11-10T09:42:39.644-06:00

Don't forget, this Saturday night it's The Art of The Irish Cocktail at the Irish Center, hosted by the pride of Donegal George Vial. Reserve your spot now.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-50164563660933567112011-11-10T09:16:00.000-06:002011-11-10T09:16:57.742-06:00

Hey Fest Fans, I need your input. As you may or may not know, the upcoming Kansas City Irish Fest (Labor Day weekend, 2012. Just 295 days away!) will be our 10th. Which to us is a big deal. Hell, in this business it's a huge deal. It's a tough economy for the fest bidness. We've been very lucky and we've worked very hard to be successful. So yeah, our 10 year anniversary is a big deal. And we

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-34928624056878640772011-11-08T10:36:00.003-06:002011-11-08T10:37:39.959-06:00

I feel like Charlie Brown. Christmas time is great and all, but when I saw our Irish Fest Miller Lite Stage turned to a skating rink complete with Zamboni and our Irish Marketplace turned into a Christmas tree stand, I feel like I need to go visit Lucy's psychiatric help booth with a handful of nickels. It doesn't help that the big tree looks so...well, Charlie Browny. I don't know why, but

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-72966571008616636582011-11-04T11:14:00.000-05:002011-11-04T11:14:38.258-05:00

But they sure have some things to get out of their systems. For your Friday weekend kicking off pleasure, Irish dancers Peter Harding and Suzanne Cleary of "Up And Over It." Thanks for the link, Brandi. You're a fine girl. Hint: skip the first 2 minutes and ten seconds. You won't be missing anything, I promise.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-18140719534775903182011-11-03T11:08:00.000-05:002011-11-03T11:08:52.409-05:00

Ryanair Cabin Crew Strip Off For Annual Charity Calendar Irish Central- Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has followed the lead set by his cabin crew and stripped off the airline’s controversial charity calendar. He also cleared cabin crew members for takeoff. The colorful airline chief donned his swim shorts when he joined his scantly clad hostesses at the launch of the 2012 Ryanair calendar.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-7626774535772906442011-11-02T08:59:00.000-05:002011-11-02T08:59:39.852-05:00

Coming up down at the Irish Center a week from Saturday: “The Art of the Irish Cocktail.” George Vial, the pride of Donegal is your host for light hors d’oeuvres and samplings of six (6) Celtic cocktails, including a special Irish Coffee compliments of Danny O'Neill and his crew at The Roasterie. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today. Saturday, November 12, 6-9 pm Kansas City Irish

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-78784483203635479962011-11-01T14:28:00.000-05:002011-11-01T14:28:10.557-05:00

Last week while you guys were raking leaves and carving pumpkins, a sextet of Irish Festers made up of festival president Barney Walsh, his wife, volunteer coordinator Sarah Walsh, fest executive director Keli O'Neill Wenzel, her husband tech committee chair John Wenzel and Mrs. Bloggy and myself headed for the warm beaches of Roatan Island off the Honduran coast. We went on official Irish Fest

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-53399790646659677942011-10-31T13:01:00.000-05:002011-10-31T13:01:52.571-05:00

From all of us at the 2012 Kansas City Irish Fest, including president Barney "Count Festula" Walsh, pictured below, a happy and scary All Hallows Eve to you and yours. Beware of things that go bump in the night...

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-20067838319127703642011-10-28T09:00:00.000-05:002011-10-28T09:00:00.242-05:00

Don't forget: Deadie Delahaunt's annual Pooka Party is tonight at Harling's Upstairs. Be there!

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-31191227358148831272011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:002011-10-28T07:00:25.786-05:00

Monday night is of course Halloween, the spookiest night of the year. Halloween, having originated in Ireland is full of spirits and spooks of a green persuasion, and you may run into a few of them as you trick or treat on the day. As a public service, the Kansas City Irish Fest presents this handy guide to identifying these Gaelic Ghouls. The Bean Sidhe or Banshee makes her appearance when

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-75631085360863494012011-10-27T07:00:00.001-05:002011-10-27T07:00:03.371-05:00

Kiddies, gather 'round if you dare. Send the grown-ups out to pull the toilet paper out of the trees. It's time for Count Blogula's Scary Story Castle and a special Halloween edition. Somebody reach into Count Blogula's witches' cauldron and get me a brew. Yeah, yeah, I know it's more of a "cooler" than a cauldron. What, you kids don't have any imagination? Too many damn video games, that's

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-19176737428091593942011-10-26T07:00:00.001-05:002011-10-26T07:00:17.862-05:00

A brief history of Irish Halloween and some of the traditions that survive to this day: The Jack O'Lantern: The scary, glowing faces we call Jack O'Lanterns were first carved in Ireland many centuries ago, to frighten off American tourists and Dutch real estate developers. Back then, there were no pumpkins in Ireland and so Jack O'Lanterns had to be carved out of bananas and small birds. An

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-59460460897719258852011-10-25T07:00:00.002-05:002011-10-26T12:41:37.157-05:00

Well, here it is, Halloween again. Or reasonably close to it anyway. Like all Irish people I love Halloween. You know, Halloween was invented by the Irish, as was whiskey, the Kennedys, guided missiles, the ejector seat, the submarine (which should not be used with an ejector seat), and Catholic guilt. But Halloween is truly Ireland's greatest gift to the world. In case you were wondering,

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-3169802970166285092011-10-24T07:00:00.007-05:002011-10-24T07:00:15.683-05:00

Not wee like "I have to go to the bathroom, be right back" break. Wee like small, like I'll be off the 'pooter for a few days. Talk amongst yourselves and behave yourselves until I get back, which will be on Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, tune in here for spooky reruns the rest of the week as we celebrate that very Irish holiday. So long, kids.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-59051934152246467792011-10-20T09:49:00.002-05:002011-10-20T09:49:48.682-05:00

Not us. Them.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-54179160875312735902011-10-18T14:27:00.001-05:002011-10-19T15:06:51.755-05:00

It's cold here in KC today, and I have a cold here in KC today and as if those two things combined don't make for a crappy Tuesday, here's the sight that greeted me coming into work here at Crown Center this morning: the dismantling of the Irish Fest Miller Lite Stage, the last remnant of the 2011 Kansas City Irish Fest. On the bright side, I was walking into work following a meeting regarding

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-1198537957683659262011-10-17T11:31:00.000-05:002011-10-17T11:31:18.329-05:00

The scariest Irishman in town, Deadie Delahaunt is hosting the scariest Halloween event in town once again this year. The Pooka Party is the 8th annual spooky fundraiser for The Good Samaritan Project. Harling's Upstairs at Westport and Main is once again the place, Friday October 28th is the date, 7:00 PM is the time. A $10 donation is due at the door, more is welcome if you can spare it. Live

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-84283606367781432902011-10-17T11:06:00.002-05:002011-10-17T11:06:48.171-05:00

This might be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-80622103520031780152011-10-17T09:19:00.000-05:002011-10-17T09:19:07.183-05:00

Ed, Carrie and myself exceeded our fund raising goal on the radio yesterday by a healthy couple hundred bucks. Thank you to all who called in or logged on and made pledges and to the Chiefs for not playing, which makes the fall pledge drive way easier.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-65330722500068401072011-10-14T15:25:00.001-05:002011-10-14T15:25:38.477-05:00

This coming Sunday, tune in to KCUR 89.3 FM here in Kansas City to hear the best in Celtic music on the Thistle and Shamrock and as a bonus, me, along with former Irish Fest president Ed Scanlon and fest treasurer Carrie Slattery. We'll be there asking you to make a pledge of financial support to our local NPR station and I hope you'll call in. A buck or a hundred, anything will help KCUR, a

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-80083732316912486072011-10-14T09:54:00.000-05:002011-10-14T09:54:14.067-05:00

From Special Irish Fest Complimentary Beverage Correspondent Martha Kiley: 'Free Beer Truck' Cruises the Streets of Heaven Man takes advantage of unlocked truck in Buffalo Grove, IL The Buffalo Grove Patch–A man who came across an unlocked, refrigerated beer truck in Buffalo Grove told police he thought he had "died and gone to heaven." The conversation took place after officers were alerted

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-29187662360782505072011-10-12T09:42:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:42:35.403-05:00

DOn't forget, the wonderful Weston Irish Fest is this weekend. The final bookend of the long Irish summer, this is an event not to be missed. Featuring performances by Enter The Haggis, Screaming Orphans, Connie Dover, Reverse Cowboys, Tullamore, The Three Dollar Band, Eddie Delahunt, Brennan Irish Dancers, The Elders, Barleyjuice, The Mickey Finns, Flannigan’s Right Hook, Dogtree, Bob Reeder,

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-22304199334552547052011-10-12T09:33:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:33:14.806-05:00

Nominations for the 2011 Irish Music Awards are now open. Did you hear a band at Irish Fest this year that made you think: "man, they should win an award of some kind!" Well, here's your opportunity to make that happen for some band or performer. Get on over to the nomination site and make your voice heard!

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-80728947059453342342011-10-12T09:30:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:30:10.804-05:00

Thank you all for the birthday wishes and especially to the folks who stopped by Kelly's on Friday and raised a glass to my golden years. Your kindness will bring me great comfort as I sit here in my rocker and...wait. What's that bright light? Should I go towards it? Is that you, Dad? Grandma? Here I come...

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-74598297970163999742011-10-10T11:24:00.000-05:002011-10-10T11:24:04.908-05:00

From all the staff and board at KCIF - Happy Birthday Danny!

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-28901529180628650112011-10-10T09:45:00.001-05:002011-10-10T09:52:02.759-05:00

Today is my 50th birthday. What Lou said.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-82398012031890408562011-10-07T10:28:00.000-05:002011-10-07T10:28:06.724-05:00

I used to run a whole bunch before baby Kate came along and cleaning poopy bottoms became my regular exercise. Way to go, baby. I'm just recently getting back to running so I'm excited that the Weston Wellies Walk is coming up. Heard about this? Here's what you do. Get you some wellies. Put 'em on you feets. Go for a mile and a half walk/jog/stroll, whatever you can manage, through beautiful

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-90058584011647562152011-10-06T14:43:00.000-05:002011-10-06T14:43:27.590-05:00

Swedish poet Tomas Tranströmer was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature today, narrowly edging out, I assume, me. I never liked that guy.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-38716162943337555992011-10-05T15:41:00.000-05:002011-10-05T15:41:14.431-05:00

You'd never know it by this Indian summer weather we're enjoying here in Cowtown but it is October and we are scant weeks away from cold temps and blowing snow. The season pleasant weather outdoor fun is coming to a close. But don't give up without a fight, 'cause we're not in parkas yet. The great Weston Irish Festival is coming up. October 14, 15 and 16 in that quaint town on the bluffs of the

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-71614395943378710462011-10-04T10:48:00.000-05:002011-10-04T10:48:26.377-05:00

If I didn't work at Irish Fest, I'd spend my whole Labor Day weekend staring up at the swells in the fancy-pants sponsor hospitality area and wondering what it must be like up there. It must be wonderful, I'd think. They must sip the finest drink and dine on the finest food as they laugh at the clever banter and witty bon mots of other VIPs. Because I do work here, I get to go up there and I

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-66168471944350892062011-09-30T13:20:00.003-05:002011-09-30T13:27:12.397-05:00

Check it out, yo. And while you're at it, why not join the Center?

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-36089195837235096122011-09-30T09:40:00.000-05:002011-09-30T09:40:44.827-05:00

If you just can't get enough, festival-wise, you might want to check out Oktoberfest this weekend down at Grünauer Austrian restaurant in The Freighthouse behind Union Station. Could be fun and it's going to be a beautiful weekend to drink beer outside. Details are here. Some reasons why you, Irishperson should go to a German festival are here , here and here. Fun fact: the Freighthouse where

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-32258457058580311882011-09-29T14:42:00.001-05:002011-09-29T14:42:18.416-05:00

Once again the Kansas City Irish Fest has been voted Best Ethnic Festival by our visitors in the 2011 Visitors Choice Awards! Thanks to all of you out-of-towners who cast your votes for us. For those of you who voted instead for the annual Kansas City Luxembourger Luau...well, we know who you are. Pictured accepting the award are Irish Fest VP Laren Mahoney and two guys.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-26825163257939258902011-09-29T09:17:00.000-05:002011-09-29T09:17:14.133-05:00

With Irish Fest just a mistywatercolored memory now, you might be wondering where to get your Irish fix in the weeks and long months until we open up the 2012 fest under the failed Mahoney administration. Well, since as you know I'm here to help, I have the answer. The Irish Center. If you haven't been, stop by. If you haven't been lately, you haven't been. First of all, you may have noticed

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-15688263590680047552011-09-28T10:57:00.000-05:002011-09-28T10:57:17.456-05:00

When representatives of your favorite Irish Fest were in Ireland just under a year ago, a highlight of our trip was a visit to Cnoc Suain, a historical hill village in an ancient Galway bog wilderness. Since our return I've been telling everybody I meet that might be planning a trip home to visit this amazing place. I even told you, remember? Charlie Troy of Cnoc Suain was kind enough to share

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-79266026063096273402011-09-28T09:32:00.001-05:002011-09-28T09:35:04.165-05:00

From Special Kansas City Irish Fest Counterfeit Curly Coiffure Correspondent Ronan Collins: Irish Dancing Wigs Can Cause Baldness Experts Warn Dublin doctors warn of hair loss from wearing wigs IrishCentral.com–Irish dancing wigs can cause baldness two Dublin doctors have warned. The warning came after they dealt with a severe case of alopecia (baldness) in a young woman and eventually traced

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-44747755698100626922011-09-27T14:02:00.000-05:002011-09-27T14:02:20.406-05:00

General Mills Releases New Lucky Charms With 15 Percent Less Leprechaun Meat The Onion–Saying that Lucky Charms is "as magically delicious as ever but now lower in magically saturated fats," General Mills announced Friday it would begin making the cereal with 15 percent less leprechaun meat. "Lucky Charms will still have the same great taste and marshmallowy goodness, but now only the tastiest,

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-68484778226665084822011-09-27T10:57:00.000-05:002011-09-27T10:57:02.495-05:00

The deadline for applications for your 2011 Kansas City Irish Fest Grant is this Friday at midnight. Don't miss out! You can get all the details and requirements here, but while you decide whether or not to apply, let me summarize for you: this is free money. Sold? Good. Apply now!

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-46197838619260520402011-09-27T10:35:00.000-05:002011-09-27T10:35:58.167-05:00

If you saw Eleanor Tiernan on the Irish Fest Comedy Stage you know she's funny. Very, extremely funny. Not surprisingly, you're not the only one who thinks so. Tim Reilly, the Irish Vice Counsel, based in Chicago had seen Eleanor's gig at KCIF* and thought she was very, extremely funny too. He set up her with Chicago stand up gig at which Rosie O'Donnell did a set, unannounced. Rosie saw

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-13875304142898119192011-09-23T09:50:00.000-05:002011-09-23T09:50:10.701-05:00

Court Finds Pensioner's Death in Fire Caused by Spontaneous Combustion The Irish Times-A Coroner's court has heard how a man who died in a fire in his house three days before Christmas had spontaneously combusted. The case was outlined in Galway yesterday, where an inquest into the death of a pensioner heard how investigators were baffled as to how Michael Faherty had died. A verdict was

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-67304210671601786142011-09-23T09:43:00.000-05:002011-09-23T09:43:10.394-05:00

If you were planning, as any sane person would be, on going to Mike Kelly's Westider bar this evening to see Eddie Delahunt play, don't. I mean, go if you want to, it's a fine pub. But don't go to see Eddie, 'cause he won't be there. He'll return to his usual Friday night gig at the Westsider next week.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-10023923728828184212011-09-23T09:14:00.001-05:002011-09-23T09:38:47.188-05:00

97,000 happy (if occasionally soggy) patrons through the gates. 2,400 hotel rooms filled. 500 kegs of beer tapped. Only 7 less than last year, even with the rain! Well done, beer drinkers! 840 bottles of wine uncorked. 3,664 pounds of plastic, 792 glass bottles and 800 cubic feet of cardboard recycled. 78 bakers, knitters, photographers, artists and brewers who entered contests. 205 happy Snug

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-66068403072232830332011-09-23T09:04:00.000-05:002011-09-23T09:04:41.337-05:00

We put the old fest to bed in style last night, with pizza, beer, stories and awards. First of all, let's talk about those awards. Our 2011 MVPs on the men's side were the dynamic duo of Tim Driscoll and Mike Armstrong. These two never stopped, from Thursday and Friday set up to Sunday night tear down they were everywhere doing everything all at once. And still always having a good time doing it

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-44932156655041384182011-09-22T09:52:00.000-05:002011-09-22T09:52:00.008-05:00

Tonight is the annual Irish Fest wrap-up meeting for our board and staff down at the brewery. It's an important event where we run through all the important numbers for the just-completed festival, numbers we'll be sharing with you here tomorrow...how many people came, how much beer they drank, how many kids go their faces painted, how many festival staffers posted how much bail, etc. It's also

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-52881741448278143332011-09-21T09:02:00.001-05:002011-09-21T09:06:35.293-05:00

While we wait for a 300 pound chunk of burned up satellite to fall on our heads, let's think back to a happier, less dangerous time. A time when it was a holiday weekend and Scythian and The Colin Grant Band were rocking the Irish Fest Boulevard Stage.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-9456071513316986492011-09-19T16:45:00.000-05:002011-09-19T16:45:28.705-05:00

Sperm Bank Turns Down Redheads The Telegraph- The world's largest sperm bank has started turning down redheaded donors because there is too little demand for their sperm. Ole Schou, Cryos's director, said that there had been a surge in donations in recent years, allowing the facility to become much more picky about its donors. "There are too many redheads in relation to demand," he told told

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-46294463938450129492011-09-19T11:11:00.000-05:002011-09-19T11:11:08.134-05:00

Slide's Eamonn de Barra takes his first crack at Shamrocker. 15 minutes later, the gambling begins....

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-12415809709392195602011-09-19T10:02:00.000-05:002011-09-19T10:02:17.665-05:00

What a great weekend in the land of wolverines, badgers, Tasmanian devils, whatever. They may be short on carnivorous critters up there but I'll tell you what they do have. A hell of an Irish Festival. Helped along by chamber-of-commerce weather (and of course The Shamrocker) on their gorgeous grounds by the lake, the Michiganders saw record crowds this weekend and those record crowds saw some

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-6076703354368876962011-09-16T23:14:00.001-05:002011-09-17T08:50:18.738-05:00

If first impressions count for anything, our Friday night in Michigan leaves us mightily impressed. The event up here feels like the KC Fest in so many ways. The enthusiasm and passion of the volunteers, the imagination and sense of humor, the camaraderie evident in the staff...all feels very familiar up here. Plus–and for me,  the KC Irish Fest design guy this is huge–this festival looks great.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-17537194965391472192011-09-16T14:46:00.001-05:002011-09-17T23:20:23.163-05:00

Tommy and I are in Muskegon, Michigan for the annual Michigan Irish Music Festival which opens in an hour and a half and frankly, I'm a little disappointed. We've been in Michigan for a good 3 hours now and I have seen exactly zero wolverines. Wolverineless. I have been badly misled. Wolverine State my ass. That aside, Muskegon is a lovely town on a beautiful lake. We were met at the airport in

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-88205384959469460492011-09-14T15:00:00.000-05:002011-09-14T15:00:54.684-05:00

If you insist on not coming to Michigan with me this weekend you might want to head out to the ballpark for the annual Halfway To St. Patrick's Day party before the Royals take on the White Sox. The party starts at 4:30, the game at 6:10. You'll get this cool green Royals cap with a wee shamrock on the bill, you'll hear a pregame set by Flannigan's Right Hook, and... "...green draft beer and a

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-43982785684762472942011-09-13T10:15:00.000-05:002011-09-13T10:15:00.199-05:00

Young Tom Regan of our Tech Committee is once again taking his home made Shamrocker video game on the road this weekend. Tommy and his roadie* will be at the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon Friday through Sunday. If you happen to find yourself on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, stop by and rock out with Tommy. *Me.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-41059247721622339892011-09-12T11:04:00.003-05:002011-09-12T11:11:47.214-05:00

This is so weird. No kidding, I had a dream last night that we drew the Irish Fest raffle winners but the winner was somebody named Joe Burke and even though I'd never heard of him he was apparently a member of our festival staff and therefore ineligible to win the raffle. When we told him he couldn't have it and we'd have to redraw to get a new winner, he threw a big fit. I never did like that

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-27620769796039934692011-09-12T09:17:00.000-05:002011-09-12T09:17:52.449-05:00

Cami And Kim, the Contest Queens have all your 2011 Irish Fest winners. I hope you're among them: Thanks to everyone who entered and judged (especially those who braved the weather Saturday). We had good turnout for all the contests, but were a little light on Sunday. (HINT: that's the day to enter!) Send your suggestions for next year's themes to contests@kcirishfest.com. Cow Art ContestRyan

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-91291866582725563932011-09-09T13:54:00.001-05:002011-09-10T08:23:54.287-05:00

G'wan yerself Eddie. Follow the bouncing baby head at 0:19 if you'd like to sing along.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-78802402745933128432011-09-09T09:07:00.000-05:002011-09-09T09:07:12.148-05:00

The waiting is over. The annual name-the-cow contest in the Irish Fest kids area has a winner. The 2011 cow's name is...to be found here.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-1829405434767741542011-09-08T10:06:00.000-05:002011-09-08T10:06:13.432-05:00

Thanks to all of my amazing volunteers in the Sponsor/VIP area this weekend at the Kansas City Irish Fest. You all rocked! Also thanks to all of our Sponsors. We couldn't have this festival without you. It was a great party. It was fun turning the Blvd Sponsor area in to a dance floor on Sunday night! Hope you all had a great time. Kathy Magwire

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-60906180040268007942011-09-08T07:13:00.003-05:002011-09-10T08:24:19.211-05:00

The Elders blow the roof off the school, last Sunday night.

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-5565130390442794412011-09-07T13:35:00.000-05:002011-09-07T13:35:13.160-05:00

You meet the nicest people in the Snug! Thanks to everyone who came to party with us - we had a blast, and hope you did, too!! A special high-five to our good-natured and valiant Saturday folks, who stuck with us and helped weather the storms (and flying furniture!) We hope you all had as great a time at the Snug as we did having you join us. We look forward to seeing you next year! Love, The

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-35429841454721263472011-09-07T09:56:00.000-05:002011-09-07T09:56:16.072-05:00

At Irish Fest this past weekend we bestowed annual honors on some very deserving folks. The PJ Cullinan Volunteer Of The Year Award went to Tommy Wyrsch. Want to know what kind of volunteer Tommy is? He has an entire gate named after him. The fest entrance off the gold level parking garage is known far and wide as The Tommy Gate, with a big banner declaring it so. Tommy has been with us since

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-39419218614170410332011-09-06T09:39:00.001-05:002011-09-06T10:05:30.372-05:00

There's a special kind of tired that all of us get around here the days immediately after Irish Fest ends. I call it "Tirish." And that's where I am today. What a weekend. The weather, always a big concern as we plan? I think all we missed was snow. Hot as hell on Friday. A series of (mericifully) quick rain and wind storms on Saturday. Perfect fall day on Sunday and a closing night that had us

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12842055.post-19902651616254068262011-09-02T08:58:00.003-05:002011-09-02T08:58:29.656-05:00

Céad Míle Fáilte!Opening day of the 2011 KC Irish Fest is finally here!  Let me be one of the first to welcome all of you to what’s going to be the best fest yet!  The weather is going to be beautiful, with a range of KC seasons – a warm summer night tonight and a cool early fall day on Sunday!The craic will be mighty!  Please join us.Barney WalshPresident2011 KCIF

Dan Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901028079747038331noreply@blogger.com0