Spring Lake has been referred to as the Jersey Shore’s Irish Riviera, so those who want to celebrate Irish hospitality can opt to visit the 2015 Spring Lake Irish Festival.
The festival takes place noon to 4 p.m. May 1 at Third and Morris avenues.
This year, the festival features many family-friendly events, live music, dancing, food and shopping.
Live performances will include the Willie Lynch Band, Seamus Kelleher, the Roaming Buskers and the School of Irish Step Dancers.
There will also be competitions such as the Irish Soda Bread Contest and the Best Male Knees in a Kilt Contest. Those who win the latter will receive a $100 chamber gift certificate.
The winner of the Irish Festival Treasure Hunt will take home a Waterford crystal vase valued at $300 by visiting every store on the list to get his or her sticker. The second-place winner will earn a $100 chamber gift certificate, and sports memorabilia will go to the third-place winner. The drawing will be held at 4 p.m.; winners must be present to win. The festival will also feature a food court on Morris Avenue; a beer garden; and children’s activities such as face painting, photo booth and balloon twisting.
Football fans will have the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the NFL’s Ray Lucas, former New York Jets quarterback, and Jeff Feagles, former New York Giants punter and Superbowl champion, who will be autographing photos and memorabilia for $10. All the proceeds from the signing of photos will benefit You Can NOT Be Replaced, a nonprofit that helps young people throughout the state.