How to go
What: Celtic Arts Festival
When: 1 to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Fairfield Community Arts Center
Cost: Free during day, $12-$15 for concert
More info, tickets: (513) 867-5348; www.fairfield-city.org/cac
FAIRFIELD — Those with hopes of still celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the whole family this year are in luck.
The Fairfield Community Arts Center will honor the Irish during the Third Annual Celtic Arts Festival, which will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The daytime events, which are free and open to the public, include music, face painting, crafts and games.
The day will conclude with a performance by the Tartan Terrors, a Celtic band from the Toronto area, at 8 p.m. in the Community Arts Center Theater. Tickets for Tartan Terrors are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students.
“We are Celtic music, dance and comedy,” said Ellen Wilxes Irmisch, member and co-director of the Tarton Terrors. “We are a ‘River-Dance’-meets-‘Saturday Night Live’ kind of feel.”
The band, which has been together for 15 years, will be performing at the FCAC as part of its 2011 Saint Patrick’s tour.
Because the band plays a blend of traditional and contemporary music, Irmisch said it appeals to all ages.
Irmisch said the band will play some “emotional” pieces such as “Amazing Grace” as well as some beautiful uptempo pieces.
“The main thing is to come out, have fun, and celebrate,” she said.
“It’s going to be a very fun, loud, evening,” said Heidi Schiller, center manager at the FCAC. “I think people will enjoy them because they are so exuberant and enthusiastic.”
Schiller said that the cost-free portion of the day, which will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., is full of variety.
“Mom and Dad can go in and enjoy the performances in the art gallery while the kids are making crafts and playing games,” she said.
During the day, regional Celtic groups will be featured, including the Highland Pipe and Drum of Miami University, Harper’s Robin, the Cincinnati Highland Dancers, the Riley School of Music and the Silver Arm.
“Harper’s Robin is just a lovely group,” Schiller said. “They do really traditional stuff.”
Also during the day will be games, Celtic Warrior Face-Painting, the chance to make a Celtic Pot or Coat of Arms, as well as Irish Myths and Legends Storytelling.
“It’s very family-friendly,” Schiller said.
Tartan Terrors is part of the 2010-11 One Stage Series and is sponsored in part by LCNB, Edoc Marketing, and a grant from the Ohio Arts Council.
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