News

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL ATTENDING THE 2009 GAIF

July 23, 2009

OK, imagine this: a small group of people (ok, at around 800 folks, not that small a group) get together and donate their time, skills and experience to put on a fun, wholesome family-friendly Irish Festival, getting nothing in return, and this not-so-small group builds this event into one of the top 10 Irish festivals in the world, drawing tens of thousands into the area. Pretty much a no-brainer, right? Everyone's got to be in favor of that. Well, guess what: there is an unnamed element that, for reasons known only to them, would love to see the Great American Irish Festival fail and are actively working to that end. Don't ask us why; it's a mind-set that we are incapable of understanding, nor, frankly, do we want to. We don't think that way, and we have no use for those who do. One would think that an event that costs taxpayers nothing, an event that brings people together in a wholly volunteer effort, an event that does nothing but foster positive results, would have everyone's support, but there are those who can only feel big by cutting others down. That's fine. But the bottom line is this: whether they get their wish is entirely up to you, the festival-goer. If only good things happen at the festival, these small-minded people will have nothing to complain about. It has been said by many of the performers at the Great American Irish Festival that we have the best audiences in the world, and we happen to agree. All we ask is that you come to the festival, have a great time and conduct yourselves the way you always have, as responsible adults who understand that having a good time doesn't entail getting hurt or hurting others. Drink responsibly, respect others, and, if you need to, call a cab. Let's have a great time and show those who want to promote negativity that we're better than that.
-- From The GAIF Board of Directors

SOME HERKIMER COUNTY TAXI COMPANIES
Julianos Taxi Service (315) 866-1150
C NY Taxi (315) 866-4305 4687
Affordable Cab (315) 866-4003 4687
Little Falls Taxi & Limousine (315) 823-0700
(This list is for informational purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of any of the companies listed. There are also numerous cab companies in nearby Utica that will service the fairgrounds.)