Family-friendly ICONS

Families will find plenty to like about ICONS, especially in the festival’s Tir na Nog area. “Tir na Nog” is Gaelic for “Land of the Young,” and at ICONS’ Tir na Nog children and adults can enjoy events and activities that appeal across the generations:

*"Sidewalk Sam," (in photo at left) the popular street artist, will once again visit ICONS and encourage festival-goers to create spontaneous art that inspires and enriches.





*Experience the unique charm of marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore, below, who will use her creations to spin tales of dragons, kings, princesses, mermaids and ghosts who sing and dance.



*Magician and author Debbie O’Carroll, left, presents stage magic with a decidedly Irish flavor, combined with the lively music of Tom O’Carroll and lots of audience participation.






*Visual storyteller Dean Morrissey, illustrator for children’s books such as Ship of Dreams, The Moon Robbers and The Winter King, will share the love he’s nurtured for drawing since his Boston childhood days.
*Michael O’Leary, Kate Chadbourne and David de la Barre will give a sampling of their vast repertoire of songs, stories and tunes from the Irish folk tradition, guaranteed to entertain kids and parents alike.

And there’ll be carnival rides and step-dancing demonstrations aplenty to keep youthful spirits happy.