A lone bagpiper signaled the start of Ave Maria's annual Touch of the Irish festival Saturday, playing a selection of tunes at noon in the town center.
In addition to the usual Irish music, dancing, food and -- of course -- beer, this year's festival featured an art show and chalk art competition to benefit the Casa de Bambine pre-school in Ave Maria, an event the school hopes will become another annual tradition.
The first winners of the chalk art competition this year by category were:
Group and Family Category: The Joyce family. Age 6 and under: Alexandra McManua Age 7-12: Catherine Graham Age 13-17: Grace Doman Age 18 or older: Caitlin Karbach
Below left, Miss Doman's entry in foreground. Below right, dancers from Kellyn Celtic Arts in Fort Myers on stage.
A lone bagpiper signaled the start of Ave Maria's annual Touch of the Irish festival Saturday, playing a selection of tunes at noon in the town center.
