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2012 Dublin Irish Festival | A Party 25 Years in the Making

IGS Energy President Scott White led the festivities as honorary chair of the 25th anniversary of the Dublin Irish Festival.

The celebration attracted 86,000 guests, while nearly 1,400 volunteers donated more than 11,000 hours of service.

A commemorative bench honoring the memory of Ann Richens, co-founder of the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance, was placed in view of the Dublin Stage, a location where Ann danced for years at the Festival.

The International Highland Games Federa-tion Women’s World Team Championships resulted in new feld records and 10 women athletes competed from the USA, Canada, Iceland and Scotland.

More than $104,000 was returned to the community through Festival fundraising endeavors.

The Festival also did its part to be earth-friendly; nearly 6.75 tons of refuse was recycled and more than a half a ton of food and other materials were composted. More than 700 people rode bikes, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting health and wellness.

A Slate of Special Events

An estimated 21,000 revelers gathered for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade where Rich Weber presided as Grand Leprechaun. Let Freedom Rock was the theme for the Dublin Independence Day Celebration with Bob Morris serving as the Grand Marshal and Joe Walsh performing at an evening concert.

Halloween Spooktacular was held on October 25 at the Dublin Community Recreation Center and in Cofman Park. Michael and Lisa Blackwell were honored as the 3rd Annual Spooktacular King and Queen. Thirty-two community organizations and small businesses participated in Trunk or Treat.