Thousand attend annual Irish festival in North Wildwood

NORTH WILDWOOD, New Jersey (WPVI) — Hundreds of individuals flocked to the Jersey Shore Saturday for an annual pageant that brings the flavors of Eire to North Wildwood.

The annual Irish pageant featured concert events, Irish stepdance, conventional meals, and loads of inexperienced drinks.

“That is midway to St. Patrick’s Day. That is why the pageant is held this time of 12 months, and it is a good probability to get collectively throughout heat climate,” mentioned Joshua Nytch, a bagpiper who traveled together with his group from New York for the festivities.

“I simply love how the group comes collectively, everybody comes out to help Irish heritage they usually love listening to the bagpipes, and I like that the entire group comes out for the frequent trigger,” he mentioned.

Nonetheless, the busy shore weekend got here with challenges for first responders.

“It is simply vital we’re right here and retaining folks secure,” mentioned Mark Unusual a supervisor with North Wildwood Seaside Patrol.

Whereas Hurricane Fiona did not hit Wildwood’s seashores, it did lead to harmful situations, together with rip currents. With lifeguard stands not on the seaside, patrols requested beach-goers to remain on the sand.

“If you happen to can keep out of the water, it isn’t seaside climate in any respect, there are nonetheless west winds coming, so rip currents are going to be energetic,” mentioned Unusual.

In the meantime, police known as in additional patrols each for the pageant and to be careful for unsanctioned pop-up automobile events referred to as H2Oi occasions in parking heaps. Officers circled the Acme car parking zone to discourage reckless driving.

Regardless of the obstacles, hundreds of individuals nonetheless loved the pageant. For many who have a good time yearly, it may be a reunion.

“I see everyone that I have never seen for some time. Individuals come down from Philadelphia from each neighborhood,” mentioned Eileen Cooper, a vendor.

There’s nonetheless time to affix in on the enjoyable of Irish weekend. The pageant will conclude with a parade by way of North Wildwood on Sunday.