An enthusiastic crowd of Bloomington-Normal Irish Heritage Society members gathered in the Knights of Columbus hall to remember Ireland through great food, pictorial displays, and rousing entertainment.

The third annual summer picnic boasted a record number of green-clad folks. Margaret Theis, the founding member, donned a green top hat for the occasion and greeted guests as they carried in mouth-watering side dishes and delectable desserts for the pot luck table.

In sync with the gathering's theme of "Remembering Ireland," members gathered about tables laden with photographs and souvenirs, and county maps and charts lined the wall adjacent to the displays.

Dave Ashbrook, a member of the McLean County Genealogical Society, reminisced about his own Irish heritage, then explained the advantages of searching for family history. Dr. Eileen Kanzler, guest curator for the McLean County Museum of History, announced plans for an exciting future exhibit at the museum entitled "The Greening of McLean County." For the next year, members will have a chance to gather historical documents, stories and memories so this exhibit shines with the wonder of Irish lore and life.

Next on the agenda was Patti Lacy's discussion of her debut novel, An Irishwoman's Tale, which will be released in August. This Christian contemporary fiction work is inspired by the life of an impetuous red-headed lass yanked from her birth mother and the majestic cliffs of County Clare and dumped into a dysfunctional home in Lisle, Illinois. By September 1, the book should be available at local Barnes & Noble stores or may be ordered at any number of stores. Check www.pattilacy.com for more information.

To cap off the event, Mike Lockett, renowned storyteller, thrilled the crowd with a rousing medley of "Finian's Rainbow." With style and wit, Lockett interspersed Irish song with Irish folk tales, including "The Peddler of Ballaghaderreen," made famous by Marie Shedlock, a famous Irish-American storyteller, "Hudden and Dudden and Donald O'Neary," and "Jack Tinker and the Devil." More information about Mike, his storytelling, and his quartet, is available at www.mikelockett.com.