![Musicians with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band performed during the 39th annual Irish Fair of Minnesota Friday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com Patrons took part in the 39th annual Irish Fair of Minnesota Friday, Aug. 10, 2018 in St. Paul, Minn. Great Irish music all weekend by dozens of local and international Irish and Celtic acts. A dozen local Irish Dance schools performed in the Dance Tent.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DFYWP6FFWDT6VCTN7IEDBV2VOY.jpg?&w=1080)
Following the lead of other major Twin Cities festivals, officials with the Irish Fair of Minnesota have called off this year's celebration.
The family-friendly fete celebrating everything Irish had been scheduled for Aug. 7-9 on Harriet Island in downtown St. Paul. But with concerns stemming from COVID-19, the festival's board of directors made the difficult decision to cancel to protect the performers, volunteers and the 100,000 people who normally attend, according to a statement from the fair early Thursday.
"Together we have all helped to make the Irish Fair of Minnesota one of the largest and most authentic celebrations of Irish culture and heritage in the country," said Board Chairman Tom Whelan. "We look forward to making the 2021 Irish Fair the best yet."
In its absence, festival officials said they would continue to promote and cultivate Irish culture through virtual events and educational programs that will be announced on the organization's social media platforms and Irish Fair newsletter.
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
