Irish Fest in images

The summer of festivals continues! This past weekend the lakefront festival grounds played host to North America’s largest Irish heritage festival — Milwaukee’s very own Irish Fest. With gorgeous, mild weather (save for a few light showers), it was a prime weekend for enjoying the Celtic festivities.

Our own Nickolas Nikolic took an in-depth gander at what must be the widest berth of activities for any of our dozens of ethnic celebrations, with traditional jig dancers, musicians, tug-of-war, boating, Irish Setter dog competitions, red-head kids contests, and even a chance to try your hand at hurling – an age-old Irish sport dubbed “the fastest game on grass.”

Besides intense potato preparations and a lot of greenery to see, there were opportunities to learn Gaelic, play a traditional Bodhran drum, and feel the late August breeze up your kilt. Nickolas also came early enough Sunday for an enormous mass at the Marcus Amphitheater.  See our slideshow below, or find your favorite photo at our flickr set here.