FORT LAUDERDALE — The rides, food and drink were pretty much standard fare.
But for the thousands of people who came to Bubier Park on Saturday, Irish Fest ’93 was a chance for Irish-Americans to immerse themselves in their mother culture.
“It doesn’t matter where people’s ancestors are from,” said Nancy Gregoire, a volunteer at the festival. “People like to touch their culture — especially Irish.”
The festival, which began Friday, concludes tonight after a concert by The Emeralds, an Irish music group. Admission for the event is $8 for adults and free for children 13 and younger.
The music on Saturday was authentic: Bands were imported from Ireland to play in the festival, said Sheila Hynes, executive director of the Irish Cultural Institute of Florida, which sponsored the event.
“People need this,” Hynes said. “You can’t find this type music in South Florida.”
The event drew newcomers — Charlie Holmes came from Jupiter with friends who had attended last year. “I’ll probably come back every year,” he said.
Irish Fest is among several fund-raisers for the Irish Cultural Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Pompano Beach. Eventually, the organization hopes to construct an Irish cultural center complete with museum, library and theatre.
Todd Thompson, 10, is aware of his heritage — he boasts of his Irish, German and Norwegian bloodline.
“Our family goes to a lot of these functions,” said Thompson, of North Miami. “It’s a lot of fun.”
