Limerick will be decked out in red, white and blue this July to celebrate American Independence Day with a range of events around the city.
Following on from the success of the inaugural festival last year, Limerick’s Fourth of July Festival will host a range of events on the weekend of July 6 and 7.
The event is run by a team of local volunteers with the aim of making Limerick the prime destination for Americans in Europe during their national day of celebrations.
Local business owner Siobhan Downey originally came up with the idea of Limerick celebrating the 4th of July.
“I believe Limerick has the potential to be the number one destination for any Americans on this side of the Atlantic looking to celebrate their national holiday. By working with local volunteers, businesses and entertainers, the 4th of July in Limerick could be as big as St. Patrick’s Day in New York!” said Siobhan.
Festival volunteer Tim Kelly of Kelly Travel said Limerick has very strong links with the United States with many American multinationals employing scores of people in the city and county.
“Foreign direct investment is vital for the local economy and we have to do everything we can to make potential investors and employers feel welcome in Limerick,” he explained.
The main festival event is the free American style picnic and family fun day in the Peoples Park from 11.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday July 6, with American style music, food and games along with the annual Limerick Animal Welfare dog show fundraiser.
Festival fun at the Milk Market, an American Roller Party, ‘Route 66’ events and an All American Race Day at Limerick Racecourse are some of the other highlights sure to make Limerick’s visitors from across the pond feel right at home, and get locals in the festive spirit!
For a full list of events visit www.4thJulyLimerick.com or follow the festival on Twitter @4thjulylimerick .
