Perth County

LISTOWEL -- It will soon be that time when everyone is Irish and celebrating the life of St. Patrick.

In Listowel the party is called Paddyfest and this March it will mark its 20th anniversary.

The event, which spans over 16 days, is one of the biggest fund raisers for the Listowel Kinsmen Club. It is also the largest Irish festival in North America.

For the last few years it has made an average of about $50,000. All the money goes back into the community and helps pay for things like the arena renovations, new ball diamonds, and a recreation complex.

When the event first started in 1977, it was held over one weekend and was highlighted by a dance. Today, the arena dance is still one of the most popular features, but, there are a host of other happening like a parade, penny carnival, Vegas night, hockey tournament, curling bonspeil, log sawing competition and the Miss Paddyfest Pageant.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the festival, the committee tried to get as many former Miss Paddyfest winners as possible. To date, it looks like 17 of the past 19 winners will attend.

Paddyfest was the idea of a man named Dave Mirtha, a former Kinsmen member. The first few years it lost money, but he worked hard to keep it going.

"He had the gumption to onvince the club to keep working at until it made money," says Robin Moore, last year's committee chair.

"'Now, there's nothing that comes to close to the money it makes," he says.

Each year, the festival is known for attracting a big name performer for the arena dance. Past performers have included popular bands Blue Rodeo and April Wine. This year Kim Mitchell will be performing on March 14.

Opening ceremonies will be March 8.

For Family:

Golf tournament; Snow golf; developmentally challenged bowling; Miss Paddyfest Pageant; Atom hockey tournament; hockey reunion game; video dance; breakfast,. parade; kid's matinee; penny carnival; log sawing; family skate; arena entertainment.

For Adults:

Yuk-Yuks show; Sno-pitch; dart tournament; Irish Pub Night; Vegas and horse race night; Miss Paddyfest Dance; Lost heir tournament; seniors' day; euchre tournament; arena dances; Paddyfest casino; curling bonspeil.

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