Changes to 2018 Great American Irish Festival; Plus The Elders Return!

The 2018 Great American Irish Festival will still be three days, but organizers say there are changes to this year's celebration.

Expect what you've come to expect on Friday and Saturday (July 27, 28) - tons of great Irish music, food and beer. Plus, The Elders are returning for their final performance in central New York, organizers Bill Barry and Jeff Ball recently told WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning.

The hugely popular Celtic folk rock band - which has publicly announced plans to split after 2018 - will perform both Friday and Saturday nights, Ball and Barry said.

Sunday's festivities won't unfold at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds as it has in years past.

The annual mass held at the fairgrounds is being moved to St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church on the corner of Columbia and Varick streets. After, the public will be invited inside the Irish Cultural Center just across the street, Ball and Barry said.

Additionally, the paired shared details of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade in Utica, which will be held on St Patrick's Day this year - Saturday, March 17. A one-mile race is being added to the beginning of this year's parade.

The 2018 parade grand marshal will be announced at the Halfway Hooley on February 8th at the Saranac Brewery.

Those seeking more information on the race or getting involved in the parade should visit GreatAmericanIrishFest.com