St. Patrick's Day celebrations are not just for adults.  Once again, the Bally Hotel has extended their 43^rd annual Irish Wake four-day celebration to include a "Family Fun Day" on Sunday.  This year's Irish Wake ran from Thursday, March

16 through Sunday, March 19.

            Billed as an Irish Tradition in Dutch Country, there's plenty of good, Irish music, bagpipes, and lots of fun.

            While the events for the first three days feature a general party atmosphere for the Irish, Irish at heart, and those who just enjoy the celebration, Sunday is set aside for the younger folks.

            The experience for this writer at the Family Fun Day began with a wonderful meal that featured selections from an array of "Irish Faire" that included bangers and mash and pot roast – topped off with a decadent dessert of Irish Whiskey Cake.

            After that, it's a short walk outside where folks line both sides of Seventh Street to watch the Coffin Races, where teams of four pushers propel their wheeled vehicles up and street competing for the Coffin Cup trophy.

            A large tent was set up, adjoining Seventh Street, where most of the festivities occur.

            Inside, Kaitrin Dancers stepped lively to Irish jigs.  The young Celtic dancers were a delight to an appreciative audience.  A Kids Karaoke was provided by the Wake DJ and children didn't seem shy about stepping up and belting out a tune.

            Arts, crafts, games, and a bit of face-painting were also available inside the tent and a child-friendly lunch option of hot dogs and hamburgers were available, along with pop-corn which somehow added to the matinee-watching feeling while enjoying the entertainment.

            The management of the Bally Hotel emphasized their appreciation of the help from the Bally Lions Club for all they do for the community and their support for Family Fun Day.

            If you missed this very special day in 2017, make a note to pack up the youngsters and bring them out next year.