This Sunday: The pipes are calling

Now that fall is upon us, it’s time to rejoice in all things Irish at the annual Irish Festival, presented by the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It’s a beloved tradition that brings out visitors and participants who enthusiastically partake in that most traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh).
As always, the dancers are ready and the pipes are calling all to the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ 43rd annual Nassau County Feis and Irish Festival to be held this year at Nickerson Beach, in Lido Beach, on Sunday, Sept. 20, beginning at 9 a.m.
Join the AOH for a busy day of live music, step dancing performances, bagpiping, children’s games, food, family entertainment, Irish traditional singing, Irish language, art, Gaelic games, and vendors selling Irish crafts.
Bring a picnic lunch and settle in for a while, ready to experience the age-old traditions of this fascinating event. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.

Centuries of tradition at the Nassau AOH Feis
From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities came together for special festivals of dance and music. There were competitions, laughter and good times. That tradition continues here, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions come together to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best.
Since 1972, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has presented Nassau County with its annual Irish Feis and Festival. Held every year in September, the feis is a celebration of a treasured culture and history.
Nassau AOH’s feis welcomes everyone to enjoy its traditional dance and piping competitions, along with an Irish Marketplace, featuring all sorts of Irish-related goods and treats for sale, and a special area for the kids.
And since it’s a Sunday, mass will be said in the morning, at 11 a.m.