Irish

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is expanding their annual Irish festival following a successful premiere last year. (Daily American File Photo / June 23, 2012)

Dan DiPAOLO Daily American Sunday Editor Daily American

10:53 p.m. EDT, June 23, 2012

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is expanding their annual Irish festival following a successful premiere last year.

 

"We have a few more vendors than what we did last year. There are some new things on the entertainment side," Melissa Cullin, event manager for the resort, said. "We're trying to diverse in what we do."

 

The festival — which runs July 6-8 — includes Irish food, traditional Irish entertainment, children's activities, story telling, an Irish marketplace, Irish pub, fireworks and other activities.

 

Anna Weltz, resort communications manager, said that waiting until July to hold an Irish festival allows the event to stand out from a glut of Irish-themed festivals and activities scheduled throughout the region earlier in the year.

 

"We felt it was something people respond to all year long," she said.

 

Vendors will offer visitors hand-crafted arts, jewelry, kilts, clothing, puzzles and a variety of souvenirs.

 

Those looking looking to enjoy traditional Irish music and entertainment will find a dozen acts performing throughout the weekend.

 

The Screaming Orphans — four sisters who originate from Donegal, Ireland — are among the headliners.

 

The group garnered national attention when noted singer Sinead O'Connor took them as her back-up vocalists and her opening act.

 

Their website describes them as a mix between The Cranberries and The Bangles with influences ranging from The Corrs, Abba and the Indigo Girls.