Erie marks halfway point to St. Patrick's Day with Irish Festival

Summer is a popular time for festivals around Erie but organizers of one local event base their celebration on a March holiday.

The Erie Irish Festival is held in mid-September.

"It's halfway to St. Patrick's Day," said Vickie Lampe, one of the fest's chairs.

When is the Erie Irish Festival

This year's festival will take place Sept. 13, 5-10:30 p.m.; Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

"We build it right there on (East) Fourth Street in front of the (St. Patrick Catholic) church," Lampe said. "It's a historic landmark."

Parish records date back to 1837 but the church didn't move to East Fourth until 1849 and the cornerstone for the current building at 130 E. Fourth St. was laid in 1903. It is known for its organ, carvings done by Italian craftsmen and Stations of the Cross made in Germany, according to parish history. Visitors can go inside the church at select times throughout the weekend, according to the festival website.

From 2017: St. Patrick Church in Erie to restore pipe organ

What else is there to see

The Irish Festival also features vendors, Irish-themed activities, games of chance, Irish musicians and dancers, a sports tent, Irish food and brews, and a bake sale that Lampe said sells out every year.

Admission is free.

Dana Massing can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Irish Festival celebrated at historic St. Patrick Catholic Church