Toledo Irish families, friends celebrate at annual gathering

Molly's Irish Dancers, including Cally Henry, left, Rylee Williams, behind Cally, and Hannah Collins, behind Rylee, were among the groups that entertained at the festival. JETTA FRASER Enlarge

Donna Strong, left, and her daughter Nicole Strong, sport Irish-themed clothing as they examine a vendor's wares at the annual celebration of St. Patrick and the Irish heritage. JETTA FRASER Enlarge

The day was dreary, but the Irish eyes were smiling Saturday at Central Catholic High School, where for 20 years families have celebrated their culture with good times and good food at the annual St. Patrick's festival.

"I came to Mass first, then I came here to look for things to buy, and to enjoy music, corned beef, and a beer," said Kathleen Sampson of Toledo.

Hers was one of about 100families mingling in Central Catholic's Sullivan Center at the 20th annual Hibernian St. Patrick's Festival, a family-oriented celebration of St. Patrick and the Irish heritage sponsored by the Lucas County Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic fraternal organization.

Ms. Sampson, 54, a Toledo medical billing specialist, was seated at a table next to her sister and niece and enjoying whiskey bread and Rice Krispies treats while watching children who were line dancing. Held Friday and yesterday, the festival also featured live music, vendors, and a raffle for a trip to Ireland.

Sporting glistening green hats, Ms. Sampson's sister and a niece were about to enjoy a Jiggs dinner.

"I come here for dancing and food, an Irish Jiggs dinner," said Donna Strong, 46, Ms. Sampson's sister and a Kroger store assistant produce manager in Toledo.

"It includes corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and whole red potatoes. I make it every year," she said.

The festival, she said, allowed her to spend some quality time with her daughter, Nicole Strong, 24, a physical education teacher who was visiting from Indiana, and with Ms. Sampson, and maybe meet some new friends.

Dr. Thomas McCabe, 49, a long-time event chairman, said of the festival, "This is a family-oriented event, it's all about the celebration of our Irish culture."

Dr. McCabe served as master of ceremonies yesterday.

Asked what message he had for those who had missed the festival, Dr. McCabe, a podiatrist in Toledo, pitched the annual all-ages St. Patrick's Day Party to be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the West Toledo Knights of Columbus Hall, 4256 Secor Rd.

Like the Irish festival, it is to feature a Jiggs dinner, plus beer on tap, live music, dancers from the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance, and a special performance by Central Catholic's Alumni Glee Club.

He said the event will benefit the Ancient Order of Hibernians scholarship fund and the food bank at St. Patrick's Historic Church in Toledo.

Contact Mike Sigov at:

sigov@theblade.com,

or 419-724-6089.