Sunday August 30th 1981 was an overcast day in Peoria when the first Erin Feis event was held outdoors at the Peoria Knights of Columbus. Over 800 people attended the 8-hour family event, sponsored by the newly formed Saint Patrick Society of Peoria. Entertainment on stage featured local bagpipers and the Barley's, a local Irish group. Several of the large tents served corned beef and cabbage along with some other great Irish foods, beverages, and merchandise vendors. The new Erin Feis T-shirts sold fast, and the money raised paid for the next Erin Feis and the Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
Due to great success from the first Erin Feis, the event was moved to the exhibit hall at Exposition Gardens for several years. Returning to entertain was The Barley's, a Chicago group Baal Tinne (who returned in 2005 and 2006), and the Brogue from Kilkenny, Ireland. The Trinity Academy of Irish Dance of Peoria made their first appearance along with the Peoria Celtic Bag Pipers (to be later known as the Celtic Cross Drum and Bagpipers). Booths containing historic Irish memorabilia and art along with several other vendors having merchandise for sale were a great success.
With continued growth in 1986, Erin Feis moved to Ravina on the Lakes, west of Peoria. Erin Feis moved again in 1991 to the German-American Grounds at Hickory Grove out towards Dunlap. The Saint Patrick Society of Peoria partnered with the Peoria Park District in 1997, moving Erin Feis to the Peoria Riverfront as the Riverfront Park in downtown Peoria was completed. Erin Feis was then expanded to Saturday and Sunday. Then in 2002, Erin Feis expanded into a 3-day event.
Over the years, the Erin Feis Committee has maintained many original traditions while still expanding them at the same time. Erin Feis serves as a family event where friends meet and can get re-acquainted. Erin Feis celebrates our Irish culture with music, sports, arts, crafts, religious services, and with food and beverage.
Robert Sloan, first Chairman of Erin Feis, had a committee of four members and a handful of volunteers. For the next 14 years, the chairmanship passed from one board member to another. John L. Martin was appointed Chairman in 1995 and still holds the chair today. Under his leadership, Erin Feis has become one of the leading Irish Festivals in Midwest America. The Erin Feis Committee today has over 20 members coordinating activities for at least 400 volunteers.
