|
IRISH FEST TO AID FALLEN
FIREMEN, POLICE IN NYC What started out as an effort to celebrate Irish culture
will go on Sunday as planned. "We decided to have the event, but with an added emphasis," festival coordinator Patrick Cunningham said. "It was a hard decision." But Cunningham said the long list of Irish names among the missing, along with President Bush's request that Americans "not let chaos rule," prompted him and other organizers to recast the festival. Instead of being solely a fund-raiser for the Irish Cultural and Learning Center (under construction off Central Avenue in Phoenix), the festival now will donate proceeds to the local Emerald Society of Irish police officers and firefighters, which will send the money to New York City. A local bishop will lead prayers and a moment of silence. A ceremony and gate dedication for the late Howard Adams also will note his role in establishing the Phoenix Fire Department's emergency medical team, some of whom will be headed to New York to aid in rescue efforts. And the all-star pipe band assembled for the festival also will perform Amazing Grace. Cunningham said this is not simply an Irish celebration. Members of the Welsh, Scottish and Cornish communities are helping out. "All the fences are down," he said. "Everyone is coming together." The festival includes a live radio broadcast of Being Irish, a live Webcast and performances by Irish bands and step dancers. Marty Manning from KESZ-FM (99.9) will serve as master of ceremonies. "Aside from all of this bridge-building and fund-raising, it's going to be a fun time," Cunningham said. The festival is sponsored by E.R.I.N. (Executive Resources for Irish Networking) and scheduled for Sunday, because it's halfway to St. Patrick's Day. |
|
|
