North Wildwood Is Getting Ready for the Biggest Irish Celebration in New Jersey

While South Jersey is most famous for the summertime with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to the Coastal Communities for the beaches and popular seasonal businesses, its the offseason where the true personality of the region shines through.

Many of the Jersey Shore Towns and their neighboring mainland communities have deep histories that get their opportunities to showcase in the fall season. One of those coastal communities, located off Garden State Parkway Exit 6, is the oldest of The Wildwoods.

What most people know as The Wildwoods is actually a collection of four independent towns with their own unique histories. The growing popularity of fishermen coming to the north end of Five Mile Island resulted in the United States government building a Life-Saving Service in 1848, and the legendary Wildwood Landmark Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in 1874.

What is known today as North Wildwood has a deep history of different immigrants bringing a variety of cultures to South Jersey

Dating back to the late 19th Century, many Irish Immigrants moved south from Philadelphia and other areas of the tri-state region, settling in North Wildwood. Because the Borough of Angelsea (renamed North Wildwood 21 years later) was originally settled by Irish, Welsh, and Swedish fishermen and shipbuilders, this became a popular vacation destination for Irish Families from the big cities in the early 20th Century.

This deep historical and cultural connection is brought to the 21st Century with the 35th annual Irish Fall Festival in North Wildwood. Hosted each year by the Ancient Order of Hibernians James J. Reilly, Division 1, the festival has grown from a small block party and parade to four days of festivities.

The festivities kickoff with a golf tournament on Thursday, September 24 at Cape May National Golf Course with an 8 am tee time. Then the Sean Cullen Memorial Team USA vs. Team Ireland Amateur Boxing Event will be at 6 pm in North Wildwood at Old New Jersey Avenue and Chestnut. Amateur boxers from No Limits Academy in Rio Grande will represent the USA in this boxing showcase against Conor McGregor’s Crumlin Boxing Club.

Irish Merchandise Vendors will be set up from Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th (8am-7pm) on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood. Also, on Friday and Saturday, there will be live Irish entertainment free to the public.

According to a Press Release from Suasion Communications, here is the entertainment lineup for the Main Stage located at the intersection of Chestnut and Olde New Jersey Avenue:

Friday, September 25
11:45 am-12:00pm: National and Irish Anthems
12-1pm: Brothers McGillian
1-2:20pm: The McCools
2:20-3:40pm: Stall the Digger
3:40-4:10pm: Timmy Kelly
4:10-5:45pm: Ballina
5:45-6:10pm: Peter’s School of Dance
6:10-6:50pm: Emerald Isle School of Dance
6:50-8:10pm: Galway Guild

Saturday, September 26
11:45am-12:00pm: National and Irish Anthems
12pm-1pm: Brothers McGillian
1pm-2:20pm: The McCools
2:20-3:40pm: Ballina
3:40-4:10pm: Timmy Kelly
4:10-4:40pm: Shades of Green School of Dance
4:40-6:00pm: McHugh & Company
6:00-6:50pm: Emerald Isle School of Dance
6:50-8:10pm: Broken Shillelaghs

The Irish Jog, a 5K run and 1-mile family walk, will be on Saturday in North Wildwood along the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk starting at 8am. Also, there will be free Irish Dance Lessons on Saturday from 10am-Noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall (206 North New York Avenue in North Wildwood).

On Sunday following the celebration of Irish Faith and Heritage at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, the famous annual parade. Scheduled to start at 12:30pm, the parade will begin at 13th Street and JFK Boulevard, then travel north toward 2nd Avenue, and turn west to Surf Avenue. The parade will proceed toward the intersection of Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues where it will conclude the percession of bag pipe bands, Irish dance groups, and more entertainment for the 35th Annual Irish Fall Festival Weekend.

For more information about the 35th Annual Irish Fall Festival, visit www.CMCAOH.com.