News

The storm that couldn't keep us down

August 1, 2006

The initial weather forecast for Saturday called for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the eighties. Not bad weather for any festival. However, Mother Nature would soon throw us a serious curve ball. The report from the Natural Weather Service turned ominous later in the day. The report was bad and it would soon get much worse. There was an angry storm brewing over the Great Lakes and headed our way. Our army of volunteers sprang into action and vendors were advised to secure their tents and "batten down the hatches." Tents were checked and rechecked. We were ready for the storm. As the storm ravaged Utica, staff checked the weather radar image, which confirmed that we would soon take a direct hit. Radio headsets crackled with the voice of Matt Sullivan advising, "Guys it's getting worse. They are now calling for 50 mile an hour winds and life threatening lightning. We've got to make the call." The stages were rapidly shut down and the crowds were advised to seek shelter in one of our many buildings. It seemed that many people did not want to venture into the rain from the comfort of our big tent. When the forecast changed to "tornado warnings", they didn't have a choice. Frankfort Emergency Services directed the people to leave the big tent and to seek shelter in our buildings. Mother Nature displayed some great fireworks and a power pole took a direct hit. Despite the raging storm, the vendor building continued with acoustic music and Andy Cooney led the crowds in singing "You are my sunshine" and other standards at the Traditional Stage. People were smiling, singing and having fun, albeit a little wet while doing so. The storm passed quickly and people assisted the staff with righting overturned tables, setting up chairs and even pouring a few pints. The beer stations were immediately reopened and the musical stages were soon up and running. Many people left after the storm passed, only to return with dry clothes later in the day. The behavior and positive attitudes of the band members, patrons and staff were nothing less than exceptional. Enter the Haggis and Black 47 rocked the tent and ended a great day. Mother Nature gave us her best shot but couldn't stop the festival. After all, it's an Irish Festival.