The Wildwood Irish Festival returns
By: Amanda Hadad
Tags: Wildwood, Festivals, Irish, Journalism, Events

Residents of North Wildwood decorate their homes to celebrate the Irish Festival. (Photo by Amanda Hadad).

It is the end of September, and the sea breeze has an Autumn chill in it, yet many tourists find themselves at the Jersey Shore for one last hurrah before the end of the season.

A year after Covid-19 restrictions forced its cancellation, the Irish Fall Festival resumed this year without a hitch. “I am so happy the festival is back,” noted Philadelphia resident Billy Creagh. “Covid has been a real bummer, so it is nice to see everyone show up down here like before. From Sept. 21–24, thousands of tourists, like Creagh, flocked to North Wildwood, New Jersey, to attend the annual festival which celebrates Irish heritage.

Sponsored by James J. Reilly and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the event boasts something for people of all ages. From craft and food vendors to live musical performances, attendees and locals agree that it is the only way to end the summer season. “It’s actually my favorite holiday,” joked Creagh.

Starting at 8:00 am on Friday, the City of North Wildwood closes Old New Jersey Avenue to vehicular traffic for the weekend. Crowds decked out in shamrocks and Kelly green, pack the street and surrounding pubs. With over 100 vendors setup, attendees line up to shop. They can purchase a wide array of Irish goods from graphic t-shirts and jewelry to hand-made wood carvings.

“It is kind of a tradition for our family to buy the wildest shirt and then wear it to next year’s festival,” explained Swarthmore native Kellie Ferris. “Our family has been coming to the festival for 20 years. Except last year, of course, so this one is very special for us. Last year, we came, but none of this was here. Not the vendors or the music.”

Irish music and bagpipes echoed throughout the festival thanks to the return of live music. On Friday and Saturday, the outdoor stage on Chestnut Avenue hosted several Irish musical acts. This year’s lineup included The Natterjacks, Birmingham 6, and plenty of Celtic dancing. “It just feels normal again,” Ferris acknowledged.

This free concert allowed festival attendees to sample the Irish musical acts in town for scheduled performances at the local pubs. After 8 pm, Irish groups and bands perform at the surrounding pubs like Keenan’s, Flip Flopz, and The Inlet. These establishments offer entry to the over 21 crowds with a cover fee. They offer specialized menus, drinks, and live entertainment all night long.

Food vendors have become a staple of the festival. Located in the parking lot of The Inlet, various food vendors line up and serve folks throughout the day. The vendors include a Shish Kabob stand, a crab cake stand, a BBQ stand, and a fried food stand. “I am eating for two and taking advantage of it,” said Meghan Rush, a Cape May resident. “I got Butterfly fries with Cheese. The chicken kabob was good too.” Rush, a regular attendee of the festival, confessed that every year she samples the food, especially the chip fries. “The smell lures you here, doesn’t it?” It did.

On Sunday afternoon, the festival begins to wind down with a parade. This year’s Grand Marshal, Fox 29’s Bob Kelly, lead the procession of bagpipers and Irish dancers down Surf Avenue from 20th Street to Olde New Jersey Avenue. But as the crowds dispersed from the island, the planning begins for next year. Many were sad to see it end. Kellie Ferris notes, “For a lot of people, this is tradition. Many come down year after year and expect this. I don’t think we will ever take this for granted again.” The AOH announced that next year’s festival will take place from Sept. 22–26. Information regarding next year’s festival can be found on the official website of the Cape May County AOG at www.cmcaol.com/festival.