Milwaukee Irish Fest Partners With WI Veterans Museum for Oral History Interviews at Festival

MILWAUKEE (July 27, 2022) – Milwaukee Irish Fest certainly delivers in honoring Irish culture at its four-day festival on Milwaukee’s lakefront, but they’re also bringing back several programs to honor first responders and veterans.

Irish Fest is partnering with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum this year to conduct oral history interviews with veterans throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. It is a joint effort to encourage veterans to share their stories for historical preservation.

Hero Hut is also returning to the festival in a new, expanded location on the grounds. Hero Hut is open to active and retired military members, veterans of all military branches, first responders and up to 3 accompanying family members. In the Hero Hut area, they can get free refreshments, access to veterans resources, and an opportunity to connect with others who serve or have served. This area honors heroes of all ethnic backgrounds, not just the Irish.

“We couldn’t fully enjoy a festival like this without the sacrifices of our veterans, first responders, and military,” said Mike Mitchell, executive director of CelticMKE, organizer of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “As we celebrate Irish and Irish American culture, in a spirit of unity and gratitude, we’re proud to give back to these heroes and hear their stories.”

If you are a veteran or know someone who served, please consider participating in this program. Interviews will be conducted in a quiet, private space. Contact Oral Historian Luke Sprague at (608) 261-0537 or at luke.sprague@dva.wisconsin.gov to learn more and to schedule an interview.

Another program returning to Milwaukee Irish Fest is the Fáilte Club VIP, an upper deck VIP area that overlooks the headlining Miller Lite Stage. Exclusive Lakefront Brewery firkin taps will also take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Guests can download the festival app now to view the firkin tap schedule and plan their visit.

The festival is also running a ticket promotion through July 29th where guests can get 20% off general admission tickets by using the promo code SAVE20 at checkout at https://irishfest.com/Tickets. Active military receive free admission all weekend long, and veterans receive free admission on Sunday, August 21. Show your service ID at any gate to receive a complimentary ticket.

Milwaukee Irish Fest is the world’s largest Irish music festival, and runs from August 18-21 at the Henry Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. For more information on Milwaukee Irish Fest, the entertainment lineup, gate promotions, and more, visit www.irishfest.com or download the free app.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.