Summer Festivals

"Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes"--Benjamin Franklin.

Well, I would like to add another to the list: summer and fall festivals. It seems just about everywhere you go this time of year, communities and states are hosting fairs and festivals. I have read medieval historical fiction novels and the authors have included these events in their story lines. People bringing wares, handmade items, and goods together for others to purchase with a monastery or town as the sponsor. What a long, and valued tradition.

Every year we attend the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. We love Celtic music and the entire Celtic/Irish/Scottish culture. What an enduring one, to be sure. I once attended a Roman Catholic mass there said in Gaelic and it was a wonderful experience. Quite a few people could speak the language along with the priest. The rest of us were there to show our respect and to learn more about the culture.

Any festival would not be a festival without a marketplace and this one does not disappoint. We walk through the tents filled with handicrafts, Irish made food and goods, genealogy inspired clothing, as well as favorite Irish team sports shirts, kilts, sweaters, dresses, capes, jewelry, etc.

Other sections include Highland games, wee folks, Irish traditions, 10th century village, and canines.

We go mostly to hear the great music. There are 7 stages, 1 admission price. Once you are in, you can walk freely around the grounds and pick whatever/whoever you want to listen to. We usually plot out a schedule to combine our favorite nationally known bands, support some local groups, and pick out some new bands.

I would guess your local festival is the same. There are vendors at their booths, homemade goodies to eat, competitions to cheer on, and perhaps big events to bring in the crowds.

Thanks to those to volunteer their time and give service to others. Thanks to our soldiers who let us spend time with friends and family safely. Let us pay forward by finding ways of giving 30 second service opportunities (opening the door, picking up something that was dropped, smiling, etc.) as a way of giving thanks back to those who let us have a wonderful summer day.