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The Manhattan Irish Fest was started in 1995 by the Manhattan Chamber to help our town celebrate its Irish roots. Since then it has grown by leaps and bounds. Many families from Chicago and other nearby towns use our festival to "kick off" their own St Patrick's Day Celebration. The parade, entertainment tent and Family fun tent have been enjoyed by thousands over the years. The heated entertainment tent hosts a wide variety of Irish performers.

In 2000, the event became too elaborate for the Chamber to handle, and found the Manhattan Youth Athletic Association was willing to take over the operation of the event. During their tenure, entertainment was expanded to two days, and the quality of the entertainment was stepped up considerably.

By 2004, the MYAA, as well, had become worn out as well. The event was either going to die, or someone else would have to take over its operation. The Irish American Society of County Will, met the challenge, and assumed the overall coordination of the event. They brought in more local volunteers to help with the event, and expanded the scope of the festival, by adding a second entertainment tent, called "The Snug", and a cultural area where visitors could fine out more about their heritage

The churches, civic groups, Chamber of Commerce and various local sports clubs work together all year, and the planners have as much fun planning, as they hope the visitors do !

For more information about the Irish Festival of Manhattan Click Here to view the website.

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