Laddies And Lassies Enjoy Unique St. Paddy’s Day At Celtic Celebration

Irish, Scottish, Welsh Eyes Are Smiling At The Morton Arboretum Fest

LISLE, IL (February 19, 2007) – St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be the same old beer, corned beef, and cabbage.

You’ll get more than the luck o’ the Irish in the family-fun activities of the Celtic Celebration at The Morton Arboretum on March 17, the second of three Arboretum cultural festivals this year. The daytime celebration from 1 – 5 p.m. highlights trees, and features guided walks, dancers, storytelling, and Celtic musical entertainment. In the evening, it’s cocktails, dinner and more music!

“This is another of the many Arboretum opportunities to connect with trees and nature, have a wonderful time, and perhaps try something new,” said Diana Fischer-Woods, who coordinates the Celtic Celebration.

Instead of looking to the stars or checking your horoscope in the newspaper, check out Celtic Astrology, and look to certain trees for a deeper understanding about yourself. The Celtic Zodiac is based upon 13 lunar months, and a tree species is associated with each. For example, the alder is linked with those born March 18 through April 14. At the Arboretum, visitors supplying their birth month and day will be “tree-ted” to a reading of their Celtic tree sign.

“With these readings, you might begin seeing trees in general and ‘your tree’ in particular, in a whole new way. You’ll find out what character traits you share with ‘your tree.’ We’ll also explain the trees’ physical characteristics,” said Arboretum tour leader Mary Samerdyke.

Arboretum docents will lead walks to some of the trees, pointing out their lovely qualities that may go unnoticed at this time of year, such as smooth, rough or furrowed bark, stout or graceful branches and overall form, or perhaps long, narrow buds. Visitors may also hear about folklore associated with trees in these walks, at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Later, visitors can plant some genuine shamrock seeds to take home.

Setting the musical mood in the Visitor Center is Trillium – a band featuring hammered dulcimer and other string instruments – playing Celtic music from 1 – 2 p.m. Members of the Chicago Highlanders will provide music that typifies the Great Highland Bagpipes, from 4 – 5 p.m.

Storytellers John and Sara Harris will weave Celtic folk tales, accompanying some of their tales with guitar or tin whistle from 2 – 3 p.m. in the Visitor Center Events Room. Immediately following, the Weber Irish dancers, beautifully costumed, will perform from 3 – 3:30 p.m. Adventurous visitors can then get a chance to test their skill at Irish dancing!

Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m. with cash bar and appetizers in the Visitor Center. Then, it’s time for dinner at 6 p.m. with separate Irish, Scottish, and Welsh buffet tables. Guests will enjoy East of Erin band, singing and playing Celtic music. Cost of dinner is $42 per person ($35 for Arboretum members). Reservations required. Call 630/725-2066.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630/968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marty Cusack, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it