Stepping Out

Those pipes are calling

Nassau N.Y.’s Hibernians welcome all to their annual celebration

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Fall returns with a delightful celebration of all things Irish. The annual Irish Festival, presented by the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, is upon us — a beloved tradition that brings out visitors and participants who enthusiastically partake in that most traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh).
Lovers of any and all of these activities will enjoy Sept. 21 when Nassau AOH holds its 42nd annual Feis and Irish Festival at Hofstra University. Take part in the age-old traditions of this fascinating event at Hofstra University’s North Campus intramural rugby field, starting at 9 a.m. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.
Bring a picnic lunch, find a shady spot to settle down, and make a day of it.

Tradition embraced at the Nassau AOH Feis
From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities came together for special festivals of dance and music. There were competitions, laughter and good times. That tradition continues here in Nassau County, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions come together to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best.
Since 1972, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has presented Nassau County with its annual Irish Feis and Festival. Held every year in September, the feis is a celebration of Irish culture and history.
Nassau AOH’s feis welcomes everyone to enjoy some traditional dance and piping competitions, along with an Irish Marketplace, featuring all sorts of Irish-related goods and treats for sale, and a special area for the kids.
And since it’s a Sunday, mass will be said in the morning, at 11 a.m.
It’s a day that clearly centers on Irish tradition. The dance competition showcases over 600 of the finest Irish dancers in the New York metropolitan area, and pipers from all around come to perform. The sheer energy of the step dancers is intoxicating and many visitors come just to see them being judged, so they can move on to the championship rounds.
There are competitions in Irish singing and piping and drumming as well. Other activities include Gaelic football matches, Irish storytelling and children’s games, along with displays of Irish art, and cuisine. Organizers expect around 2,000 people to attend this year’s celebration.
Besides these traditional forms of entertainment, a special musical act is always featured in the afternoon. This year’s headliner is Celtic Justice, with Dennis Gallery. A popular band in the New York City/Long Island area (led by Gallery, a veteran of the region’s Irish music scene), Celtic Justice puts a modern spin on its Irish heritage.
Jimmy Lavin, on accordian, and drummer/vocalist Tom “Muggs” Daly blend together with Gallery for a dynamic, vibrant and memorable musical experience.
For for further information and a full schedule of the entire day’s events, visit www.nassauaohfeis.com. For more information on the Nassau County Hibernians, visit www.nassauaoh.com or the New York State Hibernian website at www.nysaoh.com.

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