01/04/2020
GAIF updates:
While we are still in the process of arranging details for the 2020 Great American Irish Festival, we would like to share some points regarding the most common concerns our visitors have recently expressed.
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☘️ PARKING
Parking plans have been developed with City of Utica officials. The following areas will be available, some with shuttle service where required:
▪︎ Saranac Brewery backlot (where the post Boilermaker race party is held)
▪︎ Kennedy parking garage
▪︎ City of Utica lot located on Broadway and Oriskany
▪︎ Compassion Coalition on Lafayette Street
▪︎ Brodock Press Building (public spaces on Columbia Street side of building)
▪︎ The Adirondack Bank Center
▪︎ Washington Street parking garage
☘️ FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
We are planning children's activities both in outdoor spaces around the festival, as well as at the Irish Cultural Center. If you’ve been to any of the wonderful Levitt Concerts in Utica, picture something like that – with lawn games, crafts, ceili dancing – all of which will take place during daylight hours. Plenty of security will be present throughout the festival.
☘️ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The festival will take place over three days.
Tentative outline will include:
▪︎ FRIDAY · SEPT 18: An Irish band performance at Five Points Public House, with cultural activities at the ICC Event Center.
▪︎ SATURDAY · SEPT 19: The festival will continue from 11am to 11pm. Irish bands will play at establishments along Varick Street, with the main stage at Saranac Brewery.
▪︎ SUNDAY · SEPT 20: An Irish Mass will be held at St. Joseph and St. Patrick’s Church directly across from the ICC. Following mass there will be an Irish brunch and more cultural activities at the ICC all afternoon.
☘️ CAMPING
As of now, we do not have the capabilities to include camping as an official part of the festival.
☘️ HELP MAKE IT GREAT
As many know, the Festival is a 100% volunteer effort. If any element is important to you, you can help make it happen. Volunteers apply annually using the form on our website, at greatamericanirishfest.com/participate/become-a-volunteer
Many people have spoken out about what they’d like the GAIF to be. We encourage those with constructive ideas to share them via email, which can be sent to: [email protected]
☘️ STAY TUNED
It is important to note – we are still in development stages for 2020. It is our plan to release information as it’s solidified.
We appreciate your support and patience as we continue to organize for the event.
