The Irish Family History Centre at Milwaukee Irish Fest.

 

Both Brian Donovan and Fiona Fitzsimons (with their 3 boys) travelled to Milwaukee last week for the annual IrishFest, reputed to be the biggest Irish festival in North America. IrishFest attracts more than 150,000 visitors every year to the shores of Lake Michigan. The festival is first and foremost concerned with Irish music, specifically traditional Irish music, and the performers came from all over the world and represented some of the best.

JigJam from Offaly
JigJam from Offaly

 

Eileen Ivers at Irish Fest
From the 33rd County of the Bronx, the wonderful Eileen Ivers at Irish Fest

 

Milwaukee Irish Fest

 

Irish Fest

 

Irish Dancing is very very big at the IrishFest, and at times it’s a sea of bouncy curls and glitter.

 

sea of bouncy curls and glitter

 

With some inventive takes, like this Superman/Batman dance off.

 

Superman Batman dance off

 

Fiona & Brian were bringing the Irish Family History Centre to the Genealogy area, a large pavilion providing free advice, presentations and general historical enthusiasm for thousands of attendees looking to connect with their roots.

 

Irish Family History Centre to the Genealogy area

 

Fiona & Brian were bringing the Irish Family History Centre to the Genealogy area

 

Kris Mooney

 

It’s a big operation, the genealogy area alone has dozens of volunteers working at any one time, expertly co-ordinated by the eternally good humoured Kris Mooney. The volunteers are mostly provided by the local Irish genealogical society (with over 500 members) and the Civil War re-enactors who provided information on Wisconsin’s military heritage.

 

Volunteer Infantry Regiment gets two new young recruits
The 17th Wisconsin (Irish) Volunteer Infantry Regiment gets two new young recruits!

 

Brian and Fiona also delivered presentations to the Hedge School on history and genealogy organised by Dr. Marguerite Helmers.

 

The IrishFest also brings out some of the most entertaining aspects of Irish-American culture.

 

IrishFest mascots
The IrishFest mascots!

 

gilles frozen custard

 

After three days of presentations, giving advice, and endless entertainment, all that was left was for our intrepid team to thank our hosts and come home.

 

Donovans with Kris Mooney at the Irish Fest
Donovans with Kris Mooney at the Irish Fest on Sunday evening. On the way to Ma Fischer’s, a Milwaukee institution.

 

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