Today's Date
May your home be filled with laughter
May your pockets be filled with gold
And may you have all the happiness
Your Irish heart can hold.
Peoria Irish Events...
Erin Feis on The Peoria Riverfront
Jim Hancock is credited with the idea of holding an "Irish Picnic", called Erin Feis, a fundraiser to continue the March 17th parade and party as an annual tradition.
Erin Feis has continually grown and is now a three day event that includes many activities on the Peoria Riverfront.
Erin Feis gives us the opportunity to share Irish pride as well as tell the story of our Irish ancestors' struggles and triumphs. Erin Feis brings together families and friends to celebrate and learn about Irish culture and customs with music, dancing, food, arts and crafts, and much more!
The event has grown so much, that we have decided the Erin Feis celebration in Peoria deserves its very own website, www.erinfeispeoria.com.
Saint Patrick's Day
Parade
Party
Gaelic Gold Raffle
Jack Kenny 5K Run / Walk
Back in 1990 during a meeting hosted at Jimmy's Bar, George Jacob, Joy Kessler, Larry McEnroe, Ed McGraw, Steve Shostrum, Stephanie Spears, and Gary Wesley suggested the idea of hosting an Irish race in March. After some discussion, the group determined that the race should be held at Glen Oak Park, the distance should be 5 kilometers, and the proceeds should be given to the Peoria Children's Home. Thus, the Gaelic Gallop - 5K Run / Walk began.
To encourage further participation, Larry McEnroe and Ed McGraw decided to host a pre-registration party in late January and to host a post-race party in March. Katie McButts was designated as the site for both pre-registration and post-race parties, and Chef McEnroe and McGraw agreed to prepare and serve free Irish Stew and homemade Potato Soup.
The Gaelic Gallop - 5K Run / Walk has signaled the start of the local Runners' Calendar since its inception. In 1999, the Run organizers and the Saint Patrick Society Board determined to honor the memory of Jack Kenny, who dedicated 2 decades of service to the Society as Treasurer, by adding Jack Kenny's name to the Run. Over the years, walkers were also encouraged to join in the Run. Thus, the Run has become known as the Gaelic Gallop - Jack Kenny 5K Run / Walk.
Over the years since its humble beginning, the Run has donated over $10,000 to the Peoria Children's Home in order to assist the non-profit organization with programs that serve children and families.
