Kids Club
Kansas City Irish Fest is fortunate to have an amazing group of young people to keep the Children’s Area on track. The Kansas City Irish Fest Kid’s Club is a group of creative and talented young people that not only act as an advisory board to things going on in the Children’s Area, but work there as well. They start planning the next Children’s Area right after Irish Fest ends, and the look at it as an exercise to improve things each year. If you see a group of bright, smiling, helpful young people in a Cow T-Shirt with a purpose in their gait at this year’s Irish Fest, that would be the Kid’s Club.
Our Mission:
The Kansas City Irish Festival Kid’s Club is a youth leadership nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating children ages 5 to 18 to become leaders and to develop their natural leadership abilities for service with the Kansas City Irish Festival and the greater Kansas City Community for the education of our Irish Heritage and Culture.
Become a New Member
- If you are 10 and under, you must:
- Get a recommendation from a teacher
- Fill out the Member Application
- Have your parents fill out the Parental Application
- Have attended at least one Irish Fest and document the experience (write a short description)
- If you are 11 and older, you must:
- Get a recommendation from a teacher
- Get a recommendation from an Irish Fest Committee Member who you worked for at an Irish Fest
- Fill out the Member Application
- Have your parents fill out the Parental Application
- Write a short description about your Irish Fest volunteer experience
Meet the Members
Mikayla
Tell us about yourself.
I am 13 years old and I attend Liberty Middle School. I am a straight A student. I enjoy reading and have read all of the Mark Twain and Truman books. I was selected from the Duke to take the ACT and I just received state recognition for my ACT score. I am on STUCO. I love all sports but basketball is my passion. I play for the MoKan Eclipse 7th grade Silver Team. I had the honor to be a ball girl at two of the KU Girl’s Basketball Games this year. This summer I will attend Bonnie Henrickson Summer Basketball Camp at KU. I am the Treasurer of the Kid’s Club.
Why do you love Irish Fest?
I love Irish Fest because it’s a time to celebrate my roots and have some fun at the same time. Also, I really enjoy all the activities and listening to all the bands.
How long have you been involved?
I have been involved in Irish Fest for seven years. I have always been around to help in the Children’s Area part-time for the first few years and now full time.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I was already at Irish Fest every year because my parents worked it so it makes more since to put my time to good use so I joined the Kid’s Club. I have met a lot of nice people on Kid’s Club and enjoy going to the meetings and help with the planning of the Children’s Area. I always look forward to Labor Day Weekend because I know Irish Fest is here and I will get to help set-up the Children’s Area and work. I enjoy the activities we do before Irish Fest, like walking and participating in both the Brookside and Kansas City parades.
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
I do many things like Wack-a-laylee, KC Irish Fest Bingo, Tatttoos, Blow up and give away Balloons, I even help decorate Irish Fest.
If you had one thing to ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
There are many great things at Irish Fest, but definitely check out Irish Guitar Hero and the Bands.
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
Some of my favorite bands are The Elders, Seven Nations and Pogey. For young children Toe Jam.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are basketball, swimming, running, scrapbooking, cooking, and gardening! I love to play any game outside, but really basketball is my favorite.
Erin
Erin will be a freshman at Shawnee Mission East in the fall. She loves to play soccer and hang out with her friends and family. She is also very active in school performances and is member of the choir. Erin is also the Editor of the KC Irish Fest Kid’s Blog.
Why Do You Love Irish Fest?
Irish Fest is the perfect place to relax, have fun, and spend a beautiful day! All of the activities are very interactive and there is NEVER a dull moment! You can always find something new to do!
How Long Have You Been Involved?
I have been a member of the Kid’s Club for two years. But, even before then, I was a volunteer for 2 years.
Why Are You in The Kid’s Club?
The Kid’s Club is a place where I get to be treated as an adult and learn how to plan and run activities. I participate in background preparation work and begin to understand what it takes to produce a successful event. Kid’s Club is a fun and exciting opportunity to challenge myself.
What Do You Do For The Children’s Area At The Irish Fest?
I work everywhere in the tent. I get to help all of the other volunteers and explain their jobs and responsibilities. I also help run certain events and activities with the other members.
Name Your Favorite Bands Or Activities Throughout The Years.
Of all of the thrilling activities to participate in at Irish Fest, I believe there are two that you should definitely not miss! Mr. Stinky Feet (I am biased) and Theater for the Imagination! These two are ones that I have helped with personally and know how truly exciting they are!
What Are Your Hobbies?
I love to play soccer and hang out with my friends. But, when I find the time, I also love to sing and dance.
Kelsey
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Kelsey. I have never missed an Irish Festival in Kansas City. I am involved in many things at my school. Math is my favorite subject.
Why do you love the Irish Fest?
My favorite part of the Irish Fest is there is always something fun to do and see!!
How long have you been involved?
I have been involved since I was born. It is a family thing.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I am in the kids club because I want to help make sure there are fun things to do for the kids.
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
In the Children’s Area I like to help the younger kids with projects. My favorite thing to do is being the BINGO caller. I enjoy the microphone.
If you had one thing to say ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
Don’t miss the Children’s Area!
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
My favorite was listening to the Elders with the fireworks a few years ago. My family also enjoys going to the Mass on Sunday outside.
What are your hobbies?
I am an Irish dancer. I play the flute. I am in a lot of sports like a jogging group, soccer, softball, basketball. I am able to cook, I have competed in the American Royal BBQ.
MacKenzie
MacKenzie will be a junior at O’Hara High School. I play volleyball, basketball, and I’m starting to golf. When I am not playing sports, doing homework or other activities at my school I am hanging out with my friends and family. My friends and family are a huge part in my life and I don’t know what I would do without them. Outside of school I love doing things outside or helping others in any way I can.
Why Do You Love Irish Fest?
The Irish Fest isn’t just a fun weekend for me; it is also a time that my family all gets together. Irish Fest is like another holiday for me and my family because it brings us together. We all volunteer at the fest and have a great time. The Irish Fest is something I always look forward to because it is so much fun, it has great music, and I get to spend a lot of time with my friends and family.
How Long Have You Been Involved?
I have been involved in the Irish Fest for 8 years now. I started out just volunteering in the children’s area and now I am the president of the Kansas City Irish Fest Kids Club. I have been president for four years now and I have enjoyed every moment of it.
I am in the kids club to help come up with ideas, keep things organized, and make sure the kids will have a blast at Irish Fest! When I am at the fest seeing the kids faces when they get to do all the activities makes all the hard work easy to do.
What Do You Do For The Children’s Area At The Irish Fest?
There are many things I do for the Kids area at the Irish Fest. Some of the things I do are run a tent in the park. I help answer any questions that parents or children have about the Fest. Inside my tent I take money, help kids with coloring, and give tattoos.
Name Your Favorite Bands Or Activities Throughout The Years.
The number one thing I wouldn’t miss at the Irish Fest is the music. We have a wide variety of music from traditional music to Irish rock. We even have children’s bands that come in to play in the afternoons. If you are a kid I wouldn’t miss any of the activates and games you can play. We have 3 different children’s areas and every single one is a blast!
My favorite bands are Seven Nations, Elders, Gaelic Storm, and Enter the Haggis. I have grown up listening to these bands. They all have great music and are fun to watch. When I was younger my favorite thing about the fest other than the music was the moon walks and the crafts you could do in the children’s area!
What Are Your Hobbies?
My hobbies are scrapbooking, making friendship bracelets, taking pictures, and painting. I also love hanging out with my friends and family. My friends and I like to do things outside like playing basketball, sand volleyball and going to Royals games. I listen to tons of music and like sitting down with friends or family and watching a good movie.
Q
Tell us about yourself
My name is Nathanial. My nickname is Q. I got that nickname because my middle name is Quinn. My favorite color is black. My favorite food is steak. I’m in fourth grade. Ummm, I also like bacon. My favorite movie is a tie between “Avatar” and “O, Brother Where Art Thou?”
Why do you love the Irish Fest?
I love the Irish Fest because it’s very fun, I like the DDR tent. There’s also Irish Guitar Hero, I think people would like that. (That’s a really good idea, Tommy!) I like the bands that play there. The Elders are my favorite.
How long have you been involved?
I’ve been involved with Irish Fest for four years, since I was six years old.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I’m in the Kid’s Club because my mom is part of the Irish Fest staff, so she gave me the idea of becoming part of the Kid’s Club. (Thank you Miss Shawn, for making it fun!)
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
At the meetings, I come up with ideas for things for kids to do at Irish Fest. While working at Irish Fest, I help in Children’s Area and I volunteer at the Irish Guitar Hero tent with Tommy. (Thanks, Tommy!)
If you had one thing to say ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
Don’t miss the bands!
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
My favorite bands are the Elders, the Saw Doctors, and Pogey. My favorite activities are DDR, Irish Guitar Hero, and playing on the inflatables.
What are your hobbies?
I like to ride my ripstick. I like to play DDR at home. I like playing outside with my friends who live on my block and going to my friends’ houses. And I play soccer.
Cassie
Tell us about yourself
I’m Cassie. I’m 12 years old and love to draw. I work with Shawn to calibrate the Children’s Area. I am the Secretary of the Kid’s Club.
Why do you love the Irish Fest?
I love the Irish Fest because of the music. I love the Saw Doctors, Teada, Pogey, the Elders, and the Hothouse Flowers. Another reason I love the Irish Fest is the kids area and the fountains. I like creating things in the kids’ tent and then going out for a refreshing dip in the fountains
How long have you been involved
I’ve been a member of the Kids Club for 3 years, I think. I have some wonderful memories of pool parties, pizza parties, and awesome members.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I’m in the kid’s club because I love to organize things. I also think of myself as a benefit because I’m creative, and I know what little kids like because I’ve been with them most of my life.
I create games, design games, help out around the fest, and lend Shawn my brain and hands.
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
At the meetings, I come up with ideas for things for kids to do at Irish Fest. While working at Irish Fest, I help in Children’s Area and I volunteer at the Irish Guitar Hero tent with Tommy. (Thanks, Tommy!)
If you had one thing to say ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
One of the things I’d say “don’t miss!” to is the bands
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
Through the years, my favorite activities have varied. When I was about 7, I loved playing in the fountains. When I was 8 or 9, I loved the inflatables. These past few years, I loved the DDR tent.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include: 1. Doodling 2. Creating 3. Organizing 4.
Naturally building (in creeks) 5. Legos
Jake
Tell us about yourself
My name is Jake and I am fourteen years old. I go to St. Agnes Catholic School and am in the Eighth Grade. I am VP of the Kid’s Club.
Why do you love the Irish Fest?
I love the Irish Fest in many ways. I love working in the Children’s area; with all of the music and the excitement that the Irish Fest brings to every day of that amazing weekend.
How long have you been involved
I’ve been a member of the Kids Club for 3 years, I think, I have been at the Irish Festival every year that I can remember and probably some I can’t.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I am in the Kid’s club because I have been involved in the Irish Community for my whole life, my Dad has been on the Kansas city St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and other organizations for over twenty years. I have helped with the parade most of my life.
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
When I work at the Kid’s area, I pretty much will do whatever Shawn needs me to do whenever she needs me to do it. Mostly because it is more fun when you have a lot to do, but also because I know the area and how it should work.
If you had one thing to say ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
When you are at the Irish Fest you should defiantly come to see the Kids area, come get your face painted and see all that the Kids area has to offer because it is the best thing that there is at the Kansas City Irish Fest!!
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
All the music is awesome, but don’t miss Toe Jam, StoneLion Puppets, Barry Fitzgerald and Mr Stinky Feet if you are around the Children’s Area.
What are your hobbies?
Some of the sports that I play are Baseball, Golf, and Football, but Baseball is my favorite.
Shawn
Tell us about yourself
Hi, my name is Shawn and I am the Sponsor of the Kid’s Club and one of the hosts in the Children’s Area.
Why do you love the Irish Fest?
I love the Irish Fest because it has something for everyone. It is the Irish way of sharing all the fun things from the history, from the music, to the dancing and learning the wonderful myths and stories. It is a time for family and fun; it is a time for kid fun and a time for adult fun. It is one of those weekends that has something for everyone to do, and should be planned to make sure everyone has their scheduled events, and a time for impromptu strolling to just find the fun and joys in a stroll.
I love my kids in the Kid’s Club, they are my family as the Irish Fest Committee is my family. And we keep growing, just like any family. And I am amazed at the talent that Irish Fest and I have with the Kid’s Club Members and the amount of creativity and talent that exists with the Irish Fest Committee.
How long have you been involved?
I moved home to KC from Denver, the year the Irish Fest washed down the river, and felt the pain of the loss and the sadness from the Irish Fest team, and I was involved that year as the tears matched the raindrops, and since that year as the tears have become smiles of joy and fun and merriment and singing and dancing.
Why you are in the Kid’s Club?
I’m in the Kid’s Club because those kids are the continuation of our family and the hopes and dreams of future Irish Fests.
What do you do for the Children’s Area at Irish Fest?
Anything and Everything our guests need or anything we have the privilege to do to make their time with us fun and memorable.
If you had one thing to say ‘don’t miss’ at the Festival, what would it be?
Don’t miss any of it. What a wonderful two and half day vacation.
Name your favorite bands or activities through the years?
Solas, I am a huge Seamus Egan fan. I am also a huge Eileen Ivers fan. Do you know her history in contemporary Irish Music? You would think this lovely woman has to be 200 years old to have done everything she has done. And how many careers she has launched and helped along the way. But, I love all the music and every time I am introduced to a new group, I am amazed and have a delightful experience. I have never seen a group at our Irish Fest, I have to go to another Irish Fest, but next time Seamus Egan is around, I will be there. Thankfully, I usually get to catch Eileen somewhere around KC throughout the year.
As far as activities, I love it all. Everyone should find their favorites and let us know.
What are your hobbies?
Children and events with Children, they are light, they are Spring; they are our future. They start out as wonderful people, they are interesting and insightful and creative and fun. I am involved in Irish Fest, because deep in my soul, Ireland is a home that was where my heritage started. I still have family in Ireland to keep that heritage going, just as we have fun understanding, and remembering that heritage here and passing on what we know. Going to Ireland is coming home for me, and I think that experience is one I am lucky to hold on to and to share.
I am involved in a wonderful fest called Jiggle Jam, that is a Family -Kid’s Music Fest. One continuous song for two days, and so many wonderful smiling faces.
Believe it or not, we (the Kid’s Club) will start in 2010 right after Irish Fest, planning 2011, it takes a full year, and we are now having lots of fun, continuing Irish Fest throughout the year from the Parade to special events.
