The American Irish Association of Westchester (AIAW) in partnership with Westchester County Parks Department is excited to announce its annual Irish Heritage Day Festival on Sunday, July 13 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale.
The AIAW is keeping its long tradition of celebrating Irish culture and music alive with featured entertainment such as the McLean Avenue Band, Tommy Flynn Band, The Irish Dance Company, and Tom Hinchey on bagpipes. The fun-filled afternoon will be led by Master of Ceremonies Sean Ruane. The day will commence with mass at 12 p.m., with the aforementioned entertainment following shortly afterwards.
Irish Heritage Day admission is $5 for attendees ages 14 and older. All children under the age of 14 are free of charge. Parking is also complimentary. Food and beverage will be available for purchase along with a variety of goods being sold by numerous vendors from the local Irish community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket and chairs.
This year’s entertainment is generously sponsored by The Tara Circle, Inc. in recognition of the life-long commitment to the Irish community demonstrated by AIAW Vice President Bob Stauf.
Bob Stauf has been deeply involved in the Irish-American community serving as a former president and board chairman of the AIAW, of which he has been an active member for more than 40 years. Additionally, he was an activist with former Congressman Eliot Engel in the Northern Ireland peace process as well as a member of the Irish American Unity Conference and chairman of the Yonkers Mayor’s Irish Committee on Irish Affairs. Among many other roles, Stauf is a member of the AOH Myles Scully Division #1 Yonkers, president of the Yonkers Third Precinct Police Community Council and was a longtime board member and former chair of the Board of Directors of the Tara Circle.
AIAW President Maeve Scott said “We are excited about this year’s Irish Heritage Day event and look forward to a great day of Irish music, dance and entertainment.”
About The Tara Circle, Inc. The Tara Circle was formed in 1992 with the aim to promote and preserve Irish culture, history and heritage through arts, education, athletics and music. It has provided grants as well as sponsored classes and events related to Irish music, dance, history, language, art and literature. The Tara Circle is proud to support the American Irish Association of Westchester’s Irish Heritage Day and delighted to do so this year in honor of Bob Stauf who retired from the Board of Directors this past January after numerous years of dedicated service to the organization and the Irish-American community.
About the American Irish Association of Westchester For over 50 years, the AIAW has been committed to promoting Irish culture, heritage and community for its membership. The association also supports many Irish organizations and contributes to charitable organizations and good causes in the greater Westchester/NY area that promote Irish traditions, fellowship, athletics, scholarship and/or education.
