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ADMISSION HOURS
Friday, August 4
4 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, August 5
11 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, August 6
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
No pets admitted. Only service dogs will be permitted on Festival grounds
ADMISSION PRICE
$30.00 dollars this is for a three day wrist band to the festival. Credit cards are accepted at all gates, the Official Iowa Irish Fest merchandise booth and for food/beverage token purchase.
Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult.
ATM ACCESS
ATM machines are located at the Bank Iowa on the corner of East 4th and Mulberry
ALCOHOL
No alcohol is permitted on festival grounds other than what is purchased at the festival from the Iowa Irish Fest or those business inside festival grounds.
ALCOHOL SALES
Anyone purchasing alcohol must have an alcohol wrist band before you can purchase beer tokens. Photo ID required.
Tokens are $6 dollars each and can be purchased at any ticket booth and token kiosk with cash and credit card. Beers can be purchased directly at the beer booths by credit only.
Iowa Irish Fest Winner of the:
Cedar Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau “2013 Event of the Year” Award
Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber “2011 Cedar Valley Partner” Award
Cedar Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau “2010 Event of the Year” Award
$6,000.00 in weekend passes for local organizations to use in their own fund-raising efforts for their cause.
$8,838.46 The Iowa Irish Fest has donated from a freewill offering at the Sunday Mass in the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
6,832 Meals donated for those in need. Partnered with the North East Iowa Food Bank.
$834.00 dollars form the 5K to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club.
$500.00 Iowa Irish Fest donated to the Boy Scouts of America.
$1,100.00 to local School and Church Groups
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Baby changing Stations
Baby changing and nursing stations are available in the Family Fun Area.
BAGPIPES
There will be bag pipes performing throughout the Festival Grounds.
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSORS PARTNER
Contact us at: iOWAiRISHfEST.COM click on “Contact”
BEER TOKENS
Anyone purchasing alcohol must have an alcohol wrist band before you can purchase beer tokens.
Tokens are $6 dollars each and can be purchased at any ticket booth and token kiosk with cash and credit card. Beers can be purchased directly at the beer booths by credit only.
BIKES
Bikes are not allowed on festival grounds. There is a bike corral provided and maintained by a local cycle group, area near Gate 5, at E. 4th Street and Sycamore street.
BREAKFAST
A traditional Irish breakfast will be available Sunday, August 7th beginning at 9:00am at Jameson’s.
Newton’s Restaurant will be open for breakfast.
The Savvy Bean OPEN ALL FEST WEEKEND FOR SPECIALS!
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Cameras
May I bring my camera?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your camera. Make sure you share some with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Cara: n (friend) of the Iowa Irish Fest. Become a CARA member and help promote the Cedar Valley’s vibrant Irish Culture. CARA is the official support group of the Iowa Irish Fest.
There are for members only events though out the year. Click here to learn more.
The Family Fun Area is located at the corner of East 4th street and Mulberry Street. 6 inflatables, two face painters and a Balloon Twister will be featured.
Friday
4:00 – 8 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Children 12 and under are welcome.
COOLERS
Coolers are not allowed on festival grounds.
Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association Inc.
Attn. Iowa Irish Fest
315 E 5th St
Waterloo IA 50703
Phone Number 319-234-9029
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DANCE LESSONS
DIRECTORS
Chad Shipman Director of Fest
The Iowa Irish Fest has donated over $15,000.00 dollars and 8,800lbs. of food to local charities.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
What should I do in the event of an emergency at the festival?
Call 911
The purpose of this plan is to:
- Enhance the ability of the Iowa Irish Fest personnel to coordinate response to emergencies and disasters.
- Reduce vulnerability or avoid potential disasters.
- Coordinate response to emergencies and disasters.
- Identify safe structures to be utilized in the case of severe weather.
- Provide Irish Fest personnel with contact information for critical response entities.
Iowa Irish Fest personnel will be easily identified as such by a safety green shirt displaying the Irish Fest logo and wording “Event Staff.”Iowa Irish Fest personnel will also display a “Staff” identification badge.
Severe weather shelters
Irish Fest personnel will continually monitor the weather to provide forewarning in the event of severe weather. In the event of a likely imminent severe weather event, Irish Fest participants will be advised to evacuate the area and/or seek shelter at one of the following previously approved locations:
- Waterloo Main Fire Station, Station # 1, located at 425 East 3rd Street.
- Waterloo City Hall basement, located at 715 Mulberry Street.
- The City of Waterloo parking ramp, located on East Park Ave. at Lafayette Street.
- The Elks Club, located on East Park Ave. at Mulberry Street.
- Any of the many businesses open within the Fest grounds
Rapid Evacuation Points
Several intersections have been identified as rapid evacuation routes. They are as follows:
- East 4th Street at Mulberry Street.
- East Park Avenue at Mulberry Street.
- East 4th Street at Franklin Street.
- East 4th Street at Lafayette Street.
Medical Emergencies
When Irish Fest personnel become aware of any type of medical emergency, they will respond to a rapid evacuation point and direct emergency personnel to the location of the medical emergency. In addition, there will be a First Aid tent at Mulberry Street and East Park Avenue and in the family area to assist participants as needed.
Critical Incidents of Disorder
If Irish Fest personnel feel a critical incident of disorder is of such magnitude that the safety of Irish Fest participants is compromised, Irish Fest personnel should direct participants to a rapid evacuation point. If at all possible, and without jeopardizing their own safety, Irish Fest personnel should then direct responding emergency personnel to the critical incident of disorder.
Irish Fest personnel contact information
- Chad Shipman, IIF Director
- John Woods, IIF Production & Safety Director
Critical entity contact information
- Emergency Police, Fire, and Rescue: 911
- Non-emergency Police, Fire, and Rescue: 291-2515
- Fire Department Shift Commander: 291-4461
- Police Department Shift Commander: 291-4349
- Water Utility: 232-6280
- Gas Company: 800-595-5325
- Street Department: 291-4267
- Leisure Services: 291-4370
Irish Fest personnel responsibilities
It is the joint responsibility of the IIF Chairman, IIF Co-Chairman and the Production Director to make the determination when festival operations are to be suspended and the grounds evacuated due to severe weather or critical incident.
It is the responsibility of all Iowa Irish Fest staff members to be alert to any and all emergency situations and to promptly report the incident to the proper authorities. All staff members shall also report such incidents to the IIF Chairman. In the case of all Medical Emergencies, call 911 first. Be prepared to stay on the line with the emergency dispatcher until they have gathered all necessary information.
Irish Fest personnel Evacuation Assignments (I have no idea how to update this)
Each Irish Fest committee member will be assigned to a specific location or rapid evacuation point in the event that evacuation is necessary in the case of severe weather or a critical incident.
Gate #1 (E. Park Ave & Mulberry Street) – Volunteers & Merchandise
Gate #2 (E. 4th Street & Mulberry Street) – Vendors, Family Area, 5K
Gate #3 (E. 4th Street & Lafayette Street) – Cara & Marketing
Lincoln Park(E.4th & Franklin Street) – Logistics, Beverage, Treasurer
Park Ave. Stage (Lincoln Park) – Entertainment & Production, Safety
LSB Stage (E.4th & Lafayette) – IIF Chairman, IIF President
It is the responsibility of the IIF Chairman and Production Director to make announcements to our guests from both the Park Ave. Stage and Lincoln Savings Bank Stage that the festival is being temporarily suspended and the grounds will be evacuated. (See announcements)
General Safety and Security
It is the responsibly of all Iowa Irish Fest committee members to insure the safety and security of our guests. Be alert to any and all safety and security concerns and report them to the IIF Chairman.
Rapid Evacuation Announcements
- May I have you attention please: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Weather Warning Alert for BlackHawkCounty which includes the Waterloo metropolitan area. At this time we are suspending operations on the Iowa Irish Festival grounds. We ask that all guests exit the festival grounds in an orderly fashion through the nearest gate and take shelter immediately. Shelters near the fest grounds include the WaterlooCity Hall basement at 715 Mulberry, the Waterloo Fire Department Station 1 basement located at E.3rd & Franklin, the Four Oaks building at E. 4th & Mulberry and the East Side Parking Ramp on E. Park Ave. at Lafayette Street. Our festival will resume normal operations when the ALL CLEAR is given by the National Weather Service. (Repeat as needed)
- May I have your attention please: The Waterloo Police Department has identified a Critical Incident on or near the Iowa Irish Festival grounds. At the request of the Waterloo Police Department, we are suspending all activities at this time on the festival grounds. We ask that everyone, please exit the grounds in an orderly fashion. We will resume normal activity when the ALL CLEAR is given by the direction of the Waterloo Police Department. Thank you for your cooperation. (Repeat as needed)
In coordination with and authored by:
Daniel J. Trelka, City of Waterloo Director of Safety Services
Chad Shipman, 2015 IIF Chairman
John Woods, IIF Safety Director (Update info)
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The Family Fun Area is located at the corner of East 4th street and Sycamore Street.
Friday
4:00 – 8 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Children 12 and under are welcome.
FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE
Official Iowa Irish Festival merchandise is available at the merchandise booth. Choose from T-shirts, hats, pint glasses, pins and more! Location: Inside Lincoln Park near the Beer Tent.
FIREWORKS
No fireworks are permitted. No fireworks will be displayed.
FIREARMS
No firearms or any type of weapons are allowed on festival grounds with the exception of Law Enforcement officials.
FIRST AID
First Aid is located near the Park Avenue and Mulberry gate & in the Family Fun Area.
FOOD
Many food vendors will be available for you to purchase all types of food. From Traditional Irish to your American Favorites. No outside food is permitted into the fest grounds.
FOOD TICKETS
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GUNS
No firearms or any type of weapons are allowed on festival grounds with the exception of Law Enforcement officials.
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Traditional Gaelic games consisting of events with heaving, lifting, and tossing. There will be an exhibition on Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Lincoln Park. Competitive competition begins Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and goes until around 4:00 p.m.
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INFORMATION
An information/media tent is located near the intersection of East 4th and Mulberry Street. Festival information is also available at all five admission gates.
IRISH CONTESTS
King/Queen and Prince/Princess along with Best Legs in a Kilt will be held on 4.30pm Saturday.
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K
Friday
4:00 – 8 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Children 12 and under are welcome.
KILTS
What Irish Festival would be complete without kilts? We encourage you to wear your kilt if you have one or to purchase one from one of the vendors that will be selling them.
You may also enter the Best Legs in a Kilt contest. Best Legs in a Kilt will be held on 4.30pm Saturday.
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LOST CHILDREN
Lost children should be taken to the Information Tent located next to the Media Tent in Lincoln park. Or to any of the admission gates or to any Iowa Irish Fest staff members.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost items may be turned in at any Information Tent located near the intersection of East 4th and Mulberry Street. You may also call 319-234-9029. (Update phone number)
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The Iowa Irish Fest will once again hold an outdoors Sunday Mass. Gates open at 8:30 with Mass at 10:00. Admission to the festival grounds will be two items of a non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. This donation will allow you to enjoy the festival for the entire day. Free admission with the food donation is only good until 10:30 AM on Sunday.
MERCHANDISE
Official Iowa Irish Fest merchandise will be available at their booth on the grounds inside Lincoln Park.
Many merchandise vendors will be available for your enjoyment to browse or purchase your favorite Irish and American flairs.
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NEW THIS YEAR
NO-SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the festival grounds. You must leave the festival grounds to smoke.
Not allowed
The following are NOT permitted inside the grounds. There are metal detectors at each gate, so please come prepared & leave the following at home:
- No Alcohol
- No Illegal Drugs or Substances
- No Firearms
- No Knives
- No Weapons or Objects that could be used as Weapons
- No Fireworks
- No drones
- No Camelback Style Hydration Packs
- No Picnic Baskets
- No Cans or Glass Bottles
- No Aerosol Cans
- No Pets (except documented service animals)
- No Selfie Sticks
- No Banners or Flags on Poles
- No Laser Pointers
- No Skateboards, skates or bicycles
- No Kites
- No Hula-Hoops
- No Wagons or carts
- No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, give-aways, samples, etc.
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ON-SITE GUIDE
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PARADE
The Iowa Irish Fest kicks off with a small walking opening ceremony on Friday at 4:00 p.m. The procession begins on the west side of the river on West 4th street and processes back across the river on 4th street to Lincoln Park.
PARKING
Parking is available on any side streets. You may also park in the parking ramp located on Park Avenue. Parking is free in the East Side Parking Ramp located on E. Park Ave after 5p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday & Sunday. Paid parking is located behind the Elks Lodge building at E. Park & Mulberry.
Don’t forget about our free shuttle services that goes throughout the Cedar Valley. Link to Shuttle page.
Permitted Items
Actually this is a list of things not permitted to bring into the fest
- Alcohol
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, hover boards etc. inside the Festival
- Drones
- Fireworks of any kind
- Glass bottles and cans
- Hard-sided coolers
- Peddling or soliciting and the Distribution of Handbills inside Festival
- Pets of any kind except service dogs and registered Celtic Canines
- Smoking under tents or in a building on Festival grounds
Rules are subject to change.
PETS
No pets, only exhibit (Celtic Canines with credentials) and service dogs are allowed on Festival grounds. Please make sure you have the proper credentials or papers with you.
PHONE APP
A phone App is available in Google Play and Apple Store under Iowa Irish Fest
Enter the 12th Annual Anything Irish Photography contest.
Entry Fee: $20 per photo
Deadline:
-Payment and entry must be received by 11.59pm Friday, July 29, 2016
Photo Requirements:
-Irish theme (e.g. colors, flags, Irish people, places things, etc.)
-Photo must be taken by submitter
-No collages please
-All entries must be emailed as a jpeg, large enough to be printed as an 8×10 image to salinagavin@salinagavin.com
-Label jpeg file with your full name and phone number
(example: salinagavin3195551212.jpg)
-If entering more than one photo, add -1 behind phone number
(example: salinagavin3195551212-1.jpg, salinagavin3195551212-2.jpg)
-Photos will be posted on the Iowa Irish Fest Facebook page
Prizes:
-1st place $100 & displayed at Jameson’s Public House until August 2016
-2nd place $75
-3rd place $50
-Winners will be displayed at the 2022 Iowa Irish Fest on August 5-7, 2022
Judging: To be announced
Submission: Make check to Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association (no cash)
Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association
ATTN: Photography Contest
315 E. 5th Street
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
POSTER
The official Iowa Irish Fest poster by artist Gary Kelley will be available for purchase at the Iowa Irish Fest merchandise booth.
PROGRAM
Q
QUESTIONS?
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Email us at info@iowairishfest.com
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RE-ENTRY
We will be using wrist bands for your entrance to the fest grounds this year. This will be a three day band so if you intend to come back to the festival you will need to leave your wristband on. Anyone who does not have an official wristband on will have to purchase one or will have to leave the festival grounds.
REUNIONS
If you would like to plan a class or family reunion during the festival contact us at:
Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association Inc
Attn. Iowa Irish Fest
315 E 5th St
Waterloo IA 50703
Phone Number 319-234-9029
Saturday, August 5th
Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, 3228 Dewitt Road, Waterloo, Iowa
Adults and Highschoolers are welcome to come battle it out in a friendly game of Rugby.
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SERVICE ANIMALS
Can I bring my service animal?
Yes. Service animals are allowed on the grounds. A service animal is one that is individually trained to perform work for a person with a disability. You may be asked if your animal is a service animal and what tasks it is trained to perform. You do not need to provide documentation of your animal’s status as a service animal nor is it required to wear a vest. Your animal must be leashed unless that interferes with its work, but it must still be under your effective control at all times.
To see a full list of our sponsors go to Sponsor page.
Please make sure you thank the sponsors of the Irish Fest. Without them it would not be possible.
Want to sponsor the 2023 Iowa Irish Fest? Contact our sponsorship team.
The Iowa Irish Fest will once again hold an outdoors Mass. Gates open at 8:30 with Mass at 10:00. Admission to the festival grounds, during Mass only, will be two items of a non-perishable items that will be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. This donation will allow you to enjoy the festival for the entire day.
SUNSCREEN
Not mandatory but highly recommended. We want to see more green than red during the festival.
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TASTINGS
TICKETS
$30.00 dollars this is for a three day wrist band to the festival.
What do I do if I cannot find my online ticket?
Send a message through Eventbrite and we can resend you your tickets.
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V
VIP Experience which includes family tables are available for purchase for $1,000.00 dollars. You get a table for the week end along with 8 weekend passes to the festival and eight beer tokens. These go fast so contact us early. If there is not one available, you will be put on a waiting list.
Volunteers are essential to the festival. We need over 1,600 to make your festival what it has been and what we all hope it will continue to be. We need every one of you.
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ShamRock N Run 5k Fun Run/Walk
August 5th @ 10am
WATER
Available for sale from food vendors or if you need to you can go to the first aid tent located near the Park Avenue and Mulberry gate. They will assist you.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Yes, the Festival is wheelchair accessible. Just keep in mind that the Festival takes place in a park, so there is some grassy terrain. The Festival is accessible via sidewalks and streets, and there are plenty of curb-cuts.
WRISTBANDS
We will be using wrist bands for your entrance to the fest grounds. This will be a three day band so if you intend to come back to the festival you will need to leave your wristband on. Anyone who does not have an official wristband on will have to purchase one or will have to leave the festival grounds.
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