City of Festivals prepares to celebrate Irish culture on the lakefront for 4 days

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee is often called the city of festivals. It's clear why as the lakefront is home to another festival every weekend. 

Starting Thursday, Aug. 17, Milwaukee Irish Fest returns will return its 43rd year. 

Milwaukee has one of the largest Irish Fests in the country. Celtic artists and performers come all the way over from Ireland to offer a taste of new and old Irish culture. 

Orla Begley came all the way from Drogheda, Ireland as part of the Festival Experience Program for the event. She'll spend the weekend at Irish Fest taking it all in. 

"It's amazing, the festival is," said Begley. "I think people in Ireland would be really proud that it's celebrated so widely over here." 

There's plenty to celebrate from the music to the food and drinks. On average, Milwaukee Irish Fest sells around 8,000 Jameson Lemonade slushies in four days. Gilles sells 100 gallons of its Irish-whiskey-flavored custard. This year, they've even created a custard using Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur. 

"The rainbow leads to our leprechaun village, which is a fun activity for all of our kids," said Molly Modlinski, the festival director. 

Plus, there are seven culture tents and other fun and games. 

"Both for the kids and adults, we have a red hair and freckle contest," said Modlinski.

It takes 4,000 volunteers to pull off the four-day festival. Irish Fest runs through Sunday, Aug. 20. HERE is a full list of promotions.