Fourth of July fever hits New Ross

A time capsule containing local memorabilia relating to the centenary of the 1916 Rising will be buried next weekend in New Ross as part of Ireland’s answer to the traditional Fourth of July celebrations.

Fourth of July fever hits New Ross

Four days of activities have been planned for the Co Wexford town between July 1 and 4 to celebrate the birth of the US.

The harbour town is synonymous with President John F Kennedy whose great-grandfather emigrated from near New Ross to escape the famine in the 1840s.

Festival highlights include a music programme, with the main stage featuring performances by multi- platinum artists the High Kings, Paddy Casey, Big Generator, Special Brew, A Daft Pun, and, fittingly, an Elvis Presley tribute act.

Meanwhile, the Ross Food and Craft Fest will take place daily on the quayside from 10am to 6pm, giving visitors the chance to taste the local produce and view exclusive craft creations.

A Picnic in the Park takes place from 2pm to 6pm when families are invited to enjoy games and entertainment and bring a picnic, while the popular South Street Al Fresco is back on Saturday, starring travelling marionette puppet theatre the Moon & Sixpense.

Local schoolchildren have collated material, focussing on how the area commemorated the Rising, which will be placed in a time capsule and buried on Sunday — not to be re-opened until 2066.

Ruth and Grace O’Hanlon, aged 6 and 7, Aoife Rowe, aged 3, and Abbie Rowe, aged 7, descendants of President John F Kennedy, launching the Irish America Day festival. Picture: Patrick Browne
Ruth and Grace O’Hanlon, aged 6 and 7, Aoife Rowe, aged 3, and Abbie Rowe, aged 7, descendants of President John F Kennedy, launching the Irish America Day festival. Picture: Patrick Browne

“Annually we welcome lots of American residents and visitors from all across Ireland who are eager to celebrate their traditional holiday along with Irish holidaymakers looking to join in the fun,” Teresa Delaney from the organising committee said.

“It’s a very unique event in Ireland as the only official July Fourth festival and it is of course very fitting here in New Ross with our very special connections with the US.”

Activities and entertainment will be taking place across the town over the weekend including a funfair at the Town Park, a chilli challenge and pie- eating competition.

For details, log onto www.visitwexford.ie

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