North Wildwood to Host Annual Irish Festival

The East Coast's largest Irish festival is coming to North Wildwood Sept. 18-21.

The 34th annual Irish Fall Festival, sponsored by Cape May County James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), will deliver four days of dynamic Irish-themed food, fun, and festivities.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, the event tees off with a golf tournament at 8 a.m. at Cape May National Golf Course, Route 9 and Fairway Drive in Cape May. The cost is $150 and includes a green fee and cart, refreshments, a buffet lunch, and prizes. Spots can be reserved by contacting the AOH at 609-729-0075.

Vendors selling Irish merchandise will occupy Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Irish collectibles and food will be available for purchase.

On Friday and Saturday, guests can enjoy free live Irish entertainment, including music and dancing, on the main stage at Chestnut Street and Olde New Jersey Avenue from noon to 8 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 21, the public is invited to celebrate the Irish faith and heritage at Saint Ann's Roman Catholic Church, at Glenwood and Atlantic avenues, for a 10:30 a.m. Mass. The Protectors of the Faith Guards will conduct a procession from the main entrance to the altar, along with the Cape May County Emerald Society Color Guard and a liturgical bagpiper soloist.

Following the Mass, an Irish parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at 13th and JFK Boulevard, proceeding north to Second Avenue, and continuing west to Surf Avenue, north to First Avenue, west to Central Avenue, and on to Spruce Avenue, where the parade will conclude at Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues. The parade will feature fraternal organizations, bagpipe bands, Irish dance groups, and more participants.

More information about the festival is available on the AOH website.