Community Corner

Washington's Irish Ball Commemorates the Start of St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in America

Annual Event is a major fundraiser for the Irish American Cultural Institute.

Each year, a grand ball is held to commemorate the day in 1780 when George Washington made St. Patrick's Day an official part of our country's national identity. This year, the black tie, kilts-optional event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 in the greenhouse ballroom at in Morris Township. The event is sponsored by the Irish American Cultural Institute (IACI), a Morristown-based non-profit whose aim is to promote "an appreciation of Ireland and the role and contributions of the Irish in America."

According to Carol Buck, the IACI's director of operations, George Washington needed something to cheer on the colonial troops in the late winter of 1780. About 30% of his fighting men were Irish, so the general issued an official proclamation recognizing the following day, March 17, as St. Patrick’s Day. It was the first holiday the army had been granted in two years.

"We have people in period costume who read the general orders that Washington issued, which are quite interesting. We have fife and drum, Irish stepdancing and a band that plays Irish music. We really try to infuse the event with Irish heritage."

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According to Buck, the highlight of the evening is the Annie Moore Award  presentation, named for the first person to enter the USA through Elllis Island. It recognizes significant contributions to the Irish and/or Irish American community and legacy. While the award is usually presented to individuals, this year, two groups were chosen. "This year we are honoring Irish-American 9-11 first-responders and the New York University Glucksman Ireland House, a group that promotes Irish Culture," Buck said.

Washington’s Irish Ball is one of the IACI’s most successful fundraising events and provides vital support to the programs and initiatives of the Institute.

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According the the IACI web site:

"The evening begins with a cocktail reception and traditional fife and drum troupe lead the transition from the cocktail hour to the ballroom.  The Ball commences with a re-enactment of George Washington’s 1780 St. Patrick's Day proclamation.  Dinner is served and attendees will enjoy dancing to the music of The Billy Keenan Prime Time Band, an Irish-American band providing the perfect blend of Irish traditional jigs and reels and American rock and roll."

Individual tickets begin at $200. For more information, check out the IACI's Washington's Iris Ball web site or the Tickets and  Reservations page.


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