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2011MILWAUKEE IRISHFEST highlights Ireland’sDerry andDonegal Counties MILWAUKEE IRISHFEST,NorthAmerica’s largest, four-day celebration of Irishmusic and culture, cele- brates its 31st anniversary this summer,Aug. 18-21, at theHenryW.Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). Spread throughout the expansive 75-acre festival grounds on the beautiful shore of LakeMichigan, the four-day festivalwill feature the culture,music, and heritage of Ireland. In addition to all the tradi- tional attractions that keep fans coming back, this year’s festivalwill feature a special showcase on Ireland’sDerry andDonegal counties, known as the “AtlanticGateways” for the hundreds of thousands whomigrated toNorthAmerica fromtheir shores. “Every year,we seek out and bring unique Irish experiences to festival goers,” said JaneAnderson, executive director ofMilwaukee Irish Fest. “Attendeeswill be transported to an enchanted regionwith a deeply rooted history.Within a few hours, you can immerse yourself in the counties of Derry andDonegalwithout having to go there your- self.” The vibrant city ofDerry, famous for itsmonumen- talwalls, castles and sculptures, is one of the oldest inhabited sites in Ireland and boasts 6,000 years of culture.Amelting pot for history, heritage, activity and adventure,Donegal is a region studdedwith thriving little townswell known for their exquisite textiles and rich fiddle tradition. Festival goerswill be invited to explore theDerry andDonegal region as it exists today through inter- active exhibits on the grounds. Visitors can immerse themselves inside the Cultural Pavilion, catchmusi- 8 cal performances on 16 stages and experiencework- shops, theatre and vendors in the Cultural Village. Musicianswho hail fromthe region and are set to performat Irish Fest includeAltan,Moya Brennan, Kintra,DifferentDrums, LizDoherty Connection, Fidil, BrendanHendry Band, TheHenryGirls, Nodlaig Brolly, Kathleen Fitzgeraldwith the ScreamingOrphans and TomSweeney.Many of thesemusicians preserve the traditions of their regionwhile appealing to contemporary audiences. Genealogy experts and emigration historianswill be found on the festival grounds in the Ballyfest Cultural Village, for those looking to trace their roots.Artifacts related to Irish immigrationwill be on display aswell.While there, one can learn ofU.S. Presidential links to theUlster-Scots or discover the contributions of Irish and IrishAmerican soldiers to the CivilWar andWWII. An exhibit onweaving by StudioDonegal, a hand- weaving shop in Irelandwith a 100-year-oldmill, is set to take place in the Cultural Pavilion. Block printswith scenes ofDerry’smajestic landscapes alongwith ceramics, jewelry, and textileswill be available for purchase in theMoore StreetMarket. Also availablewill be books byDerry andDonegal authors inside the Literary Corner,with several writers on hand to sign copies.Award-winning films focusing on the history and culture ofDerry andDonegal, such as “Paradiso” and “Dance Lexi Dance”will be screened in the Volta Theatre. Traveling theatre groups fromIrelandwill perform at the festival and language expertswill educate fes-