Adams County Irish Festival back after hiatus

Rosin the fiddle bow and brush up on your Gaelic; the Adams County Irish Festival is back.

The annual event, which was canceled in 2014 because of a lack of volunteers, will return to Moose Park on July 18, according to a news release from organizers.

The festival features all things Irish, including music, dance, food and merchandise.

Last year, organizers could not even garner a skeleton crew of 20 volunteers to help with the event, and they struggled to raise money to attract high-level performers.

But the Adams County Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a long-time festival partner and sponsor, stepped up to organize and operate the festival this year.

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Hibernarians' Hunger Project, which has raised more than $5,800 for hunger-relief organizations in the Gettysburg area since 2003, according to the release.

Philadelphia-based duo Timlin & Kane will headline the event as they make their Adams County Irish Festival debut. With baritone vocals mixed in with some offbeat humor, Timlin & Kane have been performing for audiences in the eastern U.S. and Canada for over 38 years.

Also featured and making their second festival appearance is The Kilmaine Saints from Harrisburg. This six-piece band is known for bagpipes and modern versions of traditional Irish songs.

Rounding out the main stage music slate are festival veterans and Irish music groups Across the Pond and Irishtown Road.

A Civil War living history encampment with re-enactors from the 69th Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers will be on display with demonstrations of Civil War and Irish Period music. Performances by the Coyle School of Irish Dance will also be featured during the afternoon.

The festival has been an Adams County tradition since 2000. It was initially held at the Irishtown Fire Company in Oxford Township, but moved to Moose Park in Gettysburg after its first year.

If you go

What: Adams County Irish Festival

When: July 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Moose Park of Gettysburg, 100 Moose Road, Straban Township

Cost: $10, free for children 12 and under

More information: www.adamscountyirishfestival.org