Photos: Great Irish Fair Of New York 2010

The 29th Annual Great Irish Fair of New York drew throngs of revelers into MCU Park in Coney Island to enjoy local Irish bands, foods, crafts and… oh my, how can I forget… beer!

This reporter didn’t have a chance to get down there himself. Luckily photographer Erica Sherman was on hand to capture the event, presented by the Irish American Building Society Charities.

Here’s what Erica had to say:

There was constant live Irish music going on beneath a massive tent when you first entered the fair,
and on the main stage. I must have heard — in the less than three hours I was there — approximately five different versions of “Whiskey in the Bar” and “Wild Rover.”

In front of the main stage was a large square wooden “space” meant for use as a dance floor, but instead it became a play space for children, and that seemed to be OK with everyone. It was cute to see little red-haired, blue-eyed Irish faces running around, dancing, playing, and having a good time.

The music ranged from traditional Irish to Punk Irish…incredibly lively and uplifting.

The booths with unique souvenirs, food (corned beef and cabbage, of course, as well as reps from the Harkness Avenue Cold Stone Creamery — really nice guy named Hansel Lynch), clothing, beer steins, CDs,
house decorations with Irish sayings / blessings / proverbs, and more, were endless, and everyone — particularly the two gentlemen manning the FDNY booth with T-shirts and football jerseys (pictured) — was wonderful and in high spirits.

Lots of impromptu dancing, no one (except the children) without a pint or two of beer in their hand[s], which is dubious if you are carrying a camera not designed to be beer-proof.

It was my first time there…a fantastic event.

Enjoy her spectacular photos!