Saint Patrick's Irish festival at Kells March 14, 2008

Irish festival at Kells

On Friday, March 14, the back tent opens from 5:30-7 p.m. there is no cover charge and a $3 happy-hour food menu will be featured.

At 7 p.m., Kells will give away festival t-shirts to the first 500 guests, with paid cover. (The tent is an adult-only venue on Friday evening; proper ID is required).

All-age Celebration Saturday and Sunday

Adhering to Kells’ longstanding tradition, families and children are welcome until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. Entertainment and events include Irish dance lessons and demonstrations, arts, crafts, music, food, Irish cheese samples, face-painting and Irish
wolfhounds. On Sunday only, the Performing Pigs will again delight young and old.
The back tent is open Saturday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with no cover charge.
The front tent will be open from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Minors will be required to leave the tents
after 5 p.m.
Cover charges will begin at 6 p.m. in the tents and pub with the first 500 paid covers receiving
free Kells festival t-shirts. The tents will remain open on Saturday until 2 a.m., with live
performances on three stages, featuring the very best of Irish and traditional music.
Page 2/Kells 2008 St. Patrick’s Irish Festival
On Sunday, March 16, Kells will open its pub doors at 8 a.m. to welcome participants from the
Shamrock run. The back tent will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. serving breakfast. This provides a
perfect venue for children and families, with no cover charge.
The McAleeses invite all to enjoy the great, fun-filled activities in both tents that have made this
festival an annual tradition.
Sunday Features First Viewing of Celtic Cross
Also on Sunday, from: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kells will proudly present a very special
event—the first viewing of the replica of the 5th Century Clonmacnoise Celtic Cross, handcarved
in Ireland. (There is no-cover for the viewing of this important piece of art). This Celtic
cross has been hand-carved over a three-year period by artist Brenden McGloin from Donegal,
Ireland and this is its debut in the United States. The sandstone sections will be on display
Sunday, March 16 in the front tent located at S.W. Second, between Pine and Ash Street,
directly in Front of Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub. The cross weighs 5 tons and is more than 14
feet tall. The cross will be installed later this year at its permanent home in Mount Calvary
Cemetery in Portland. (For complete details, please refer to www.kellsirish.com). Donations are
being accepted for this cross, which will stand as the "Oregon Irish Famine Memorial".
Kells also has a surprise concert Sunday, March 16 featuring Josh Gracin of American Idol
fame. KUPL radio is a sponsor, along with Kells.
The show will be in the back tent at: 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Tickets
are only $10 for all U.S. military service men and women—active, reserve and retired—with
proper identification. Tickets are available at kupl.com, kellsirish.com or call 503-517-6200.
This is a general admission, no reserved seats concert.
NO MINORS will be PERMITTED AFTER 5 p.m. This will be a very special opportunity and
a great venue for those who cannot join Kells for Saint Patrick's Day! (This concert is an
adult-only venue; proper ID is required)
On Monday, March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, Kells will open at 7 a.m. for early revelers. A $20
cover includes a free festival t-shirt, for the first 5,000 paid guests. Annually, Gerard and Lucille
McAleese search far and wide to provide guests with the finest local and international talent,
music, international award-winning Irish dancers and local artisans on this special once-a-year
event. (The tents are an adult only venue on Monday, March 17. Minors are welcome in the
dining room, with no cover). Lunch is served in the front tent with no cover from 11a.m. to 2
p.m. (No minors).

Official Website: http://www.kellsirish.com/portland/festival.html