Community Corner

Q&A: Irish Fair of Minnesota Starts Friday

Steve Hyland is a Mendota Heights resident and organizer of the Minnesota Irish Fair.

Mendota Heights resident Steve Hyland has been involved with the Irish Fair of Minnesota for several decades.

Now as the race and event director, he has helped to organize events including the Get Your Green On 5K Family Fun Run and Walk and the all-new "Couch Potato ZERO K." (register here)

The fair runs Aug.10-12 at Harriet Island Regional Park, and includes free live music, food, dancing, booths and other entertainment. Check the Irish Fair of Minnesota website for a schedule of events.

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Hyland agreed to answer a few questions from Patch via email about his work with the fair and what visitors can expect this year. 

Mendota Heights Patch: How did you get involved in the Minnesota Irish Fair? Can you tell us a bit about your Irish roots? 

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Steve Hyland: I am what some folks call a "4-cornered" Irishman. Translation: All 4 of my grandparents were 1st or 2nd generation Irish immigants. So I guess, wonderful festivals such as Minnesota's annual Irish Fair is in my genes! I've been involved with the Fair in various capacities for years. 

Patch: Let’s get the big question out of the way … what is the Couch Potato ZERO-K?

Hyland: The Irish Fair is a very fun family oriented Free event which will attract over 100,000 people to Harriet Island next weekend. We felt it would be fun—and funny—to offer to anyone and everyone in attendance on Saturday afternoon the chance to participate in a ZERO-K ( No Running Allowed!!). A special "non-athlete" attraction for all who might think hard core runners are a bit crazy. Literally, we'll all line up at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday on the Athletic Field under a "START" banner, walk 3 FEET, turn around and FINISH while being offered a cold pint, some snacks, and a bagpiper seranade! 

Patch: What is the Legacy Fund?

Hyland: It is the designated charity of the Irish Fair. Funds raised go to the Legacy Fund which exists to aid immigrants coming to the US. 

Patch: Why do you think the Minnesota Irish Fair has been so successful?

Hyland: It's so popular for many reasons. The setting at Harriet Island on the Mississippi is beautiful and quite easy to get to. The Irish Fair remains Free—and has grown to become the largest Free music festival in the world. The "Free" feature is pretty attractive for individuals and families alike. World class music and dance every year. Fun sporting events. Many great food and beverage vendors. Dozens of Irish artisans both local and international. Great options to learn about Irish culture. Catholic Mass on Sunday on the main stage. And it's safe—in the past 11 years, there's been only a few very minor incidents. And—it's a great place for families and friends to meet ... you'll always find people there you know!    

Patch: What are you most looking forward to this year?

Hyland: Personally, I love the music. This year we have Gaelic Storm kicking off the Fair on Friday night followed by the Young Dubliners and many other excellent local and national bands throughout the weekend. Plus: Atlantic Steps will perform on Sat night ... extraordinary Irish Dance group.  


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