They say if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough. I can't lay claim to such direct ancestry, but I do have considerable Irish (and Scottish) heritage for which to thank my pale skin and hundreds of freckles.
During the last weekend of July, if you're lucky enough to hail from the sweet spot of Ohio from Lima to Cincinnati known as the 937, you're lucky enough. In downtown Dayton, roads are closed and Riverscape Pavilion becomes a concert venue in preparation for the hottest event of the summer: the Dayton Celtic Festival. Named "Best Festival" by Dayton Magazine for several years running, it drew nearly 90,000 people last year.
I, myself, have been lucky enough to attend this three-day fiesta nine times; two as a spectator and seven right in the thick of things as a dancer. Nine times is plenty to reflect on the reasons why people come back to this shindig year after year. Here are just 10.
1. It's free.
That's right, no admission whatsoever. That should put you in at least a slightly better position to deal with parking, the food trucks and drinks. Speaking of drinks...
2. There is a ticketed beer tasting.
You wouldn't expect an event like this to have a shortage of alcoholic beverages, and this festival does not disappoint. All you need to do is preregister for the beer tasting, though trucks are open all weekend. No worries, though, there are drinks and food for all ages.
3. There is a themed area designated just for kids.
Rainbows End Children's Area has putt putt golf, temporary tattoos, games and arts and crafts, along with a walk-through mister for those dog days of summer.
4. From dinner to dessert, there's unhealthy, fun food all over the place.
The hardest part is deciding what you want. You can go traditional with fish and chips, or All-American with a burger and fries. Sweet treats abound, from ice cream to kettle corn, but my personal favorite is the shortbread.
5. You can indulge guilt-free.
This considerate festival offers you a chance to burn off the astonishing amount of calories you consume at the food (and beer) trucks. On Saturday morning, there's a 5K walk/run and a 10K run along the river, as well as the Celtic bike ride. Last year was my third for the 5K, though I only fooled myself into thinking that doing a 5K before dancing two shows was a good idea once.
6. You can dance. Yes, you!
Lest you think running and biking are the only forms of physical activity going on, three local dance schools take turns taking the stage all weekend, packing tents to standing room only. If watching graceful leaps and mesmerizing hard shoe rhythms makes you want to get up and dance, you're in luck, even if you don't know how! Join in the ceili on Saturday night led by renowned caller Éamonn de Cógáin.
7. You can eat breakfast and go to church without leaving festival grounds.
Sunday morning offers breakfast until lunchtime. At 10 a.m., you can go to mass under the big tent offered in English and Gaelic. I had the pleasure of giving the first and second readings in 2013 and 2014.
9. When else can you see your favorite bands in concert for free?
If your favorite bands are Gaelic Storm, Scythian or Socks in the Frying Pan, oh boy, are you in luck. Their shows fill up quickly, so I recommend grabbing your spot up to an hour beforehand.
10. Riverscape fountains after dancing a show.
Enough said.
If you haven't been, make this your year! After all, you can't go wrong with a festival boasting a giant Guinness blow-up.
Perfect for a meeting spot in case you get lost!
You can find all the above information and more at this link.
