If St. Patrick's Day and Mal's St. Paddy's Parade have taught us anything, it's that the beautiful country of Irleand is firmly rooted in longstanding traditions of beads, floats, sweet potato queens and green beer.
Not really. The local culture in Jackson since the founding of the parade has morphed into its own monster with its own unique flavor, which, like a frothy green beer at the parade, definitely has a Irish aftertaste but is unmistakably brewed right here in America.
So thankfully, Jackson has its own Celtic Heritage Society that preserves the rich traditions of Irish culture right in our own backyard. So in addition to their excellent annual CelticFest, it's a no-brainer that they throw an equally excellent St. Patrick's Day party for you to get your Celtic kicks, without throwing a single bead in the process.
This year's party will be held at the Ag Museum on March 22 from noon-8 p.m., and will feature live music straight from Irleand by Captain Mackey's Goatskin and String Band.
Even longtime CelticFest nuts might be scratching their heads right now and going, "Who?"
Well, Captain Mackey's is the name for the duo of Jimmy Crowley and Mairtin de Cogain, two world-renowned Cork, Ireand natives that CelticFest fans will no doubt be familiar with, who joined forces as a superstar duo.
There will also be performances by other favorites like Jim Flanagan, Legacy, St. Brigid's and the Jackson Irish Dancers.
Conisder the event a sort of mini-CelticFest, as they will also present a variety of workshops on Irish culture just as they do at the festival.
Another highlight of this year's celebration will be a preview of the first annual CelticFest Film Festival that will be held in September, hosted by Cogain. Cogain himself is no stranger to film, having appeared in the award-winning film The Wind That Shakes the Barley.
The event will be topped off with a traditional Irish ceili dance at 6 p.m. to close out the fun.
Admission to the event is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and society members, $2 for children 5-18 and children 4 and under are free.
for more information, visit www.celticfestms.org.
