Finn Fest is coming to Island Park again

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What began as a tribute to a Long Beach lover of dance and animals has become a annual music festival in Island Park. Finn Fest, named for Dorothy Finn, started in 2009 with only a handful of people in attendance has now grown into a yearly celebration.

President Norah Kelleher said “It’s a barefoot dancin’ in the grass kind of fundraiser, which features various regional and local musical acts, food vending, craft beers and wine along with raffles for great prizes.”

The Dorothy Finn foundation was started by Dorothy’s Family to honor her memory. Dorothy was a lifelong tap dance teacher and dog rescuer. Dorothy lived in Long Beach for over 40 years where she raised her family and taught tap dancing in the basement of her home.

In Dorothy’s spirit, the foundations’ primary goals are to raise money for non-profit animal rescue groups and underprivileged children. This year the foundation is supporting Little Flower Children’s Home and Long Beach Animal Rescue Posh Pets.

Scheduled to appear at Finn Fest on July 30 are the NYC Irish rock band 50 Shades of Green, Blues Hall of Famers Breakaway with Sweet Suzie, Studio Noir Kid’s Showcase, Solshyne playing The Allmans and Dead, Guardavidas a local Latin band, Wolfie McGrath and Arturo Rivera Acoustic. The Master of Ceremonies is The Big Kahuna John Wims straight out of Long Beach. Finn fest is held at 155 Trafalgar Boulevard in Island Park, and gets underway at 2 p.m. Free shuttles run hourly to and from the event to Long Beach. Ticket donation is $16 on line and $20 at the gate. Go to FinnFestLB.com for ticket and sponsorship information.