Irish eyes will be smiling in Youngstown this weekend

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- Friday will kick off the weekend celebrations for the 3rd annual Mahoning Valley Irish Festival.

Like previous years, it’ll be held at Penguin City Brewing for Irish singing, dancing, and drinking.

Shannon Lehn is the chair of the festival and started it three years ago. She said everyone’s favorite Irish bands will be remaking an appearance at the festival. Part of the Irish culture is the music and joining is to play so there will be music sessions for people to join in.

You can also catch Burke Dancers on the main stages for both days. Whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy some tasting on both night nights and there will be events specifically for kids on Saturday. Shannon says the festival is like having a family reunion and it’s guaranteed to be fun.

“Because on the eighth day, god made the Irish. He made the French for the love, the Italians for the food, and the Irish for the fun,” said Lehn.

She says in previous years people have asked for more authentic Irish food, and she plans on delivering. On top of Irish pastries there will be Sheppard’s Pie, Boxties, Ribbon Sandwiches, and more. There will also be whiskey tasting on both nights.

“It’s just such a loving group of people. but the thing about it is that it’s not just the Irish. It’s people of all backgrounds and cultures that we celebrate each other in the Mahoning Valley,” Lehn said.

Also new this year, there will be two stages for music and music sessions where anyone can join in the fun. Lehn says each year it’s grown so they wanted to provide more this year. She says festivals like these are what make our community great.

Friday the event is from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There’s a $5 fee to get in but kids 10 and under get in free.

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