Friday, March 19, 2010

The Seacoast Irish Festival Returns to Dover


DOVER—
After a five-year hiatus, the Seacoast Irish Festival is making its return to the Dover cultural and entertainment scene on June 12, 2010. Last held in the summer of 2005, the popular Festival drew thousands of attendees. The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Dover Main Street to resurrect the event, which was formerly put on by the Dover Police Charities.
“People have made it very clear that they want the festival back,” noted Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman, “not just Dover residents, but people from all over. We are very happy to have past sponsor Shaheen and Gordon step into a major role yet again.”
The Festival Committee has certainly gotten off to a good start, having obtained the necessary permits and approvals, a major sponsor, and the support of Dover Police Charities.
“We fully support the efforts to revive the festival. Residents and visitors will benefit from this cultural experience and the proceeds directly support critical programs that help keep Dover a great place to live, work and visit,” commented Police Chief Tony Colarusso in a letter of support.
Perhaps even more importantly, the Committee has secured the services of renowned local musician Eugene Byrne, one of the Festival’s “Founding Fathers,” who is not only assembling the entertainment lineup for the event, but who will also be performing himself. In addition, Byrne was scheduled to be on hand when the event is formally announced at a media event at Kelley’s Row in downtown Dover at noon on St. Patrick’s Day.
“Dover has a great Irish heritage,” said Byrne, “and I’m very pleased to be playing a part in the revival of the Seacoast Irish Festival. We’ve been talking about bringing it back for quite some time now, and since we finally seem to have the pieces in place, it made perfect sense to all of us to make the announcement on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The Seacoast Irish Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 12th, will be held in a new, highly visible downtown location at the Rotary Arts Pavilion. While the performance schedule is still being finalized, confirmed performers include Bradigan, the Shaw Brothers, Patsy Whelan, The McTaggarts, Schooner Fare, Eugene Byrne and many other special guests.
The event will culminate with a rousing musical tribute to Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, by many of the Festival performers and some special guests.
“Since the last time the Festival was held, we lost Tommy in 2007, and Liam, the last of the Clancy Brothers just last year,” mused Byrne. “Without them, Irish music wouldn’t be the same. Making the event a tribute to their memories, and to their cultural contributions was an easy decision, especially considering Dover is Tommy’s hometown.”
Newly–hired Dover Main Street Executive Director Carrie Eisner agreed, adding, “Holding the event in Dover’s historic downtown should really add to the cultural feel of the Festival. Dover has so much history, and this is a great opportunity for the City to showcase that history, as well as its rich Irish heritage.”
The Festival will be held on June 12th, Rain or Shine, from noon until 9 p.m. Tickets will be $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event, with Kelley’s Row providing the food and beverages, Crafters selling Irish art and jewelry, and a full slate of music, dancing and other traditional Irish entertainment.
According to Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley, sponsorship packages are still available for the event.
“So much of what the Chamber and Dover Main Street do for the community involves things that are unseen by the general public,” added Wensley. “The Irish Festival is a cultural event that provides sponsors with a highly visible platform for promotion, so we’re very optimistic that local businesses will join Shaheen and Gordon in supporting something so clearly beneficial to the community.”
For more information on ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities and entertainment schedules, please visit www.seacoastirishfestival.org. Proceeds from the event support the Chamber’s and Main Street’s economic and business development programs, which are critical to keeping Dover’s economy strong and preserving its quality of life. (Courtesy photo)

“Spirit Up Somersworth” Community Clean Up Day

SOMERSWORTH—
The Somersworth High School Interact Club and Somersworth Youth Connection (SYC) are hosting “Spirit Up Somersworth” community wide clean up day in celebration of Earth Day, on April 17, 2010 (with a rain date of April 24), from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It is our hope to raise awareness of our environment and get as many City Leaders, Businesses, Community Organizations, Youth Groups, School Organizations and our families to celebrate Earth Day and beautify our community of Somersworth. The goal is to challenge Somersworth to have 1,000 people participate in cleaning up their community in designated areas, or in their own neighborhoods.
“Spirit Up Somersworth” kicks off in the parking lot at Somersworth Middle School on Saturday morning, April 17th, 8-8:30 a.m., sign in your group and pick up supplies. Participants will then head off to a designated area of the community to make them sparkle. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; garden tools are limited, so please bring your own rake. Also included in the day’s event will be raffle prizes, food, music, vendors, displays and great company.
Last year we had over 250 high school students, middle school students, families, and groups cleaning the school grounds, downtown areas, and various neighborhoods. SYC encourages all youth to take pride and ownership in their community, by participating in many service-learning activities throughout the school year. Together, SYC and SHS Interact Club are hoping to create connections to our community, a commitment to get involved, and make a difference.
Please sign up your group or family today! For more information, or to sign up for this event please contact: Maureen Jackman at 692-2242, ext. 204 or Pam Martin at 692-2126, ext. 209