Natalie Croyt
Staff Writer
It was a sea of green, white and orange on Saturday and Sunday, as thousands of tartan wearing Irish enthusiasts, flocked to the Fairplex in Pomona for the 2008 Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival.
Celebrating its sixth year, the Irish Fair and Music Festival is one of the largest Irish gatherings in Southern California.
Additionally, there with hundreds of different attractions and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
All around people could be seen wearing Irish kilts, extravagant green clothing, shamrock sunglasses and even armor from ancient Irish battles.
The Irish-pride was so widespread that even the water in the fountains was colored green.
“This is my fourth year at the Irish Festival,” Pomona resident Melinda Tuba said.
“I just love the whole environment and people in costumes, the atmosphere is just amazing,” Tuba said.
Attendees could enjoy musical entertainment by traditional Celtic bands such as the headlining Gaelic Storm, Irish storytelling and performances by Merlin the Magician and role-player Christopher Yates.
And the authentic Irish dining menu was at it’s best offering corned beef, cabbage and shepherd pie.
The McCartan School of Irish Dance, performed traditional Irish clogging and were a big hit with many of the Irish-proud spectators. The dancers were praised for their talent and ability to stay true to the Irish dancing roots.
There was also an opportunity for people to travel back to their roots at the Ancient Irish Village, where they could buy ancient clothing and jewelry and watch the re-enactors of the Scottish and Irish guild demonstrate the battles of the early Irish centuries, with authentic weapons and armor of that time.
“This is the only place I know of where almost everyone has an uncovered weapon and there are never any incidents or problems,” Bakersfield resident Ron Palmer said.
Palmer is a member of the Kern County Scottish Society, an organization which spreads Scottish folklore, traditions and cultural pride.
Many Irish Fair attendees were also drawn to the shopping vendors who sold authentic Irish knick-knacks, art and family crests with historical plaques of their clans.
“I really enjoy the traditional Celtic music, and the shopping is fantastic,” Shirley Ruzicka, a Chino resident and University of La Verne alumna, said.
“It’s just so fun, and I’m so glad it’s local,” Ruzicka said.
Along with great shopping and fine dining, the Irish Fair and Music Festival also featured sheepherding, Irish dog shows, clan gatherings, a cultural instruction and Celtic Language presentation.
There were also rides and games for the children presented by “Shamrock Shows.”
However, far more impressive than the many vendors, rides, food or traditional music and dancing, was the Irish-pride that ran rampant throughout the festival.
The Irish Fair was a big celebration and people could be seen with their Irish flags and kilts made of plaid, all enjoying the friendly atmosphere that allowed them to share their cultural pride with other Irishmen.
“I love how everyone is so proud of their heritage,” Palmer said.
“There are many different clans and areas represented here today, and I love how they are all able to come together and feel a kinship with one another. That’s what this festival is all about,” Palmer said.
For more information about the Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival, visit www.la-irishfair.com.
Natalie Croyt can be reached at ncroyt@ulv.edu.
