Welcome to Paddyfest 2012

Another year of Paddyfest is fast approaching and it will soon be time for North Perth to once again go “green”. Winters white blanket will give way to green grass, residents will root through closets to dig out their favourite green sweaters, hats and jewellery, and pints of green cheer will be shared with friends new and old. It is the time of year when the Kin Family, the Paddyfest committee and countless other individuals extend a warm and hearty welcome to everyone in North Perth and beyond to join us for the 35th annual Paddyfest!

As always we have a great schedule of events that no doubt will have something for everyone. From preschoolers to seniors, all will find something of interest. Headlining this year’s arena concerts on March 16th and 17th will be Dean Brody, a rising star on the country music scene, and Kim Mitchell, a Canadian rock legend and past Paddyfest favourite, who will be following opening act and local favourite Jim & Tonic. Tickets will be on sale starting January 25th and can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart, Zehrs, Gemini Jewellers, The Banner and new this year Life’s A Party. Be sure to get them early as they are always a hot ticket!

The annual Paddyfest Dinner and Laugh will take place on Saturday March 10th and will once again be hosted by the Listowel Agricultural Society. This event was a huge success last year and is quickly becoming a Paddyfest staple. With a great meal and first class comedians, this is sure to be another can’t miss event!

As we look forward to this year’s festivities, we also remember the tragic events of March 17th last year, which claimed the lives of two local heroes: Ken Rea and Listowel Kinsmen Club member Ray Walter. Though there are no words that can describe the sadness we feel as we remember the loss of two of North Perth’s finest, we will once again come together as a community and honour the ultimate sacrifice Ken and Ray made to ensure the safety of our town and its residents. Ken and Ray will be forever in our hearts.

Every year Paddyfest generates money that is donated back to the community. Countless groups and projects over the past 34 years have benefited from this community support. And through the efforts of the Kinsmen, Kinettes and K-40 members past and present, this tradition continues. Be sure to check back to the Paddyfest website, www.paddyfest.ca, regularly to keep up-to-date on all the local Paddyfest happenings. Co-ordinators have worked hard and dedicated countless hours to put together a wide range of events for everyone to enjoy - make sure you don’t miss a thing! We believe everyone has a little Irish in them! Paddyfest is the perfect way to celebrate and commemorate a local tradition. Thanks to over three decades of hard work and community support, Paddyfest’s reputation as a North Perth icon is known far and wide. If you’ve attended Paddyfest in years gone by, we welcome you back. If this is your first year attending, we’re thrilled to have you along for what is sure to be another fun and memorable year.

Yours in Kin and Paddyfest
Matt Edgar
2012 Paddyfest Chairman

Website last updated: February 4, 2012
To see list of updates, click here!