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     We all were saddened by the cancellation of the Peoria Irish Fest.
However, I want to remind everyone that this is not the end of this great cultural event. All 39 previous Peoria Irish Fests – Erin Feis have had their challenges. Yet together we have overcome them. COVID-19 will not defeat us.
     Most of the 30 plus committee chairs and co-chairs have eagerly volunteered again for 2021. Throughout this past summer our committees have been working on the goal of keeping Peoria Irish Fest – Erin Feis alive in 2021 and beyond. We have already booked our Major Entertainers for 2021. With bridge construction completed the Logistics Committee has been upgrading the look and grounds layout. Vendors and exhibitors are being booked. And negotiations have started with subcontractors (tents, lights, etc.).
     But we need your help! Cancelling the 2020 Fest left us with bills to pay. We have paid for insurance, rent for meetings and storage, web site costs, consultants and phone costs. Our reduced budget for 2020 is $8000. But unless we raise some money now, we will have to cover these expenses from our limited reserves. To make matters worse, we anticipate that our 2021 sponsorship revenue will be half of the $80,000 needed to cover entertainer and associated costs (sound, stage, hotel, food, etc.).
     Will you please help keep Irish culture alive in Central Illinois by making a year-end tax deductible donation of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford to the St. Patrick Society of Peoria. Please mail your donation to the Society at P.O. Box 117, Peoria, IL 61650. Or you can use your credit or debit card. Please click here to be directed to Pay Pal.
     Finally, we also need help in soliciting businesses or organizations to be a 2021 Sponsor of the biggest Irish Festival in Illinois outside of Chicago. Any leads or other help that you can give will be greatly appreciated.
     It has been a difficult year for everyone. So, take a deep breath and join us as we move forward to Peoria Irish Fest – Erin Feis 2021. Thanks for your continued support of Irish culture in Central Illinois and Happy Thanksgiving!

With best wishes,
          John
John Martin
PIF – EF Executive Committee Chairman
Event Co-Chair