The Irish are taking over Louisville’s Belvedere/Riverfront Plaza for the 2008 Louisville Irish Fest on Saturday, September 13 from 11am to 10pm and Sunday, September 14 from 11am to 6pm.

The Irish Fest, which originally got its start as part of the old Heritage Days that were once held on the Belvedere, will be an official kick-off event for the Ryder Cup Week 2008 in Louisville.

The Fest is excited to announce that Louisville is the national winner of the Bushmills (Ireland) Twin City in America Search, a voting contest held earlier this year between the cities of Louisville, Boston and Portland, Maine. In addition to the Twin City title, Louisville also takes home a $40,000 grand prize -- $20,000 for the advancement of local culture and $20,000 to support responsible drinking. Gordon Donoghue, Master Distiller of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, presented Mayor Jerry Abramson with the $40,000 grant for the City of Louisville in April.

Louisville Irish Fest President Peggy Baas and LIF board member Jeremy Morris visited Bushmills in June. Bushmills Councilwoman Madeline Black will be visiting Louisville to attend the Irish Fest in September. Mayor Abramson, Louisville Councilman David Tandy, and Bushmills Councilwoman Black will officially open the Louisville Irish Fest on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 pm.

The Fest will feature live Irish and Celtic music with a special band from Ireland, The BeerMats, playing throughout the Fest. The BeerMats are also scheduled to play a charity concert for Guardiacare and the Kling Center on September 11.

The Fest will also include demonstrations by Irish dancers, children’s activities, Irish Idol Contest finals, and a wide range of vendors including Louisville’s finest Irish pubs and restaurants.

Admission is $5 for adults (12 and under are FREE).

Expected turnout for the event is between 12,000 and 15,000 people. For additional details visit our website at www.louisvilleirishfest.com.

We hope to see you there! Slainte´!