December, 2024
Dear Friends of BIHF,
As we move from Thanksgiving into the holidays, I remember with gratitude the support you all have given the Festival over the last three decades. From our founding in 1995, many original events have persisted – for example, the Festival Ceili, or the children’s activities at Fletcher Free Library. Others have become annual favorites thanks to the generosity of collaborating partners, such as the VT Genealogical Society, the Garrett School of Irish Dance, Chris Branagan (Irish language teacher), and Young Tradition Vermont (now part of Vermont Folklife). The 2024 Festival brought yet more new events that we hope to continue, including the ‘slow’ music session and the pub ‘singalong,’ as well as our highlight event, the spectacular Mick Moloney tribute concert, produced by Mark Sustic.
Mark again is working his magic for 2025 to bring us the Murphy Beds, an internationally acclaimed Irish and folk music duo. We also hope to bring for the first time a shanachie – a traditional Irish storyteller – to celebrate the theme of our 30th Festival: “Myths: Banshees, Pookas, and Finn McCool.” There will be dramatic recitals, live music, dance, poetry, history talks, and film presentations. Keep an eye on our website moving into the New Year!
What has not changed since 1995 is our mission: to bring Irish culture to the Burlington area. And you are central to its survival. We ask you once again to consider supporting us, and we hope to reward you in 2025 with yet another Festival to lift hearts and brighten those grey March days around St. Patrick’s Day. You can donate
(a) by check, using this form, or
(b) by Pay Pal,
Our mailed thank-you letter will serve as a receipt and confirm the tax-deductible status of your contribution.
Finally, please remember: Our planning committee always needs new ideas and energy! If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Peter Keating: [email protected].
With warm holiday wishes for you and yours,
Elizabeth O’Dowd, BIHF Secretary
THANK YOU!
*Burlington Irish Heritage Festival is an IRS registered 501(c)3 – your gift may be tax-deductible.