Tents are erected, fresh oysters and other culinary delights are prepared, perfect pints of Guiness are chilled and the musicians tune their instruments for this two- day festival. Two stages are set up where many modern and traditional Irish and American bands perform. This celebration is centered around one of America's most popular "gifts from the ocean", oysters.

Walk past the main stage and into the festival to find a large variety of artisan booths speckled amongst booths grilling various foods. Expect to find jewelry, photographers, painters, and other unique artists. Many food booths grill onions and peppers to go with roasted meats. We tried several items and the gyros here are fabulous. Look for grilled lamb, chicken, and sausages. You will also find rotisseries spinning and kebobs grilling.

Let's not forget about the oysters! This past year the oysters were set up in the field near the second stage. The oyster booth looked very similar to the Guiness booths set up for alcohol and were a bit hard to find. It actually only required some reading, so keep you eyes peeled for the McCormick & Schmick sign. Fresh oysters on the half shell sell for $1.50 each or $5.00 for half a dozen. Behind the counter watch professional oyster shuckers prepare these delicacies. A sauce made of cocktail sauce and horseradish is available as a topping along with classic tobasco. While their sauce packs a good punch, I think the oysters tasted best with both sauces piled on top. Be warned though, they are very spicy when eaten that way.

Irish bands, like the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band, perform and there is also usually a good U2 cover band making an appearance. This festival is always packed goes on since it is heavily advertised due to its major sponsers such as Chicago Sun-Times, American Airlines, Q101 (a hot Chicago radio station), Cingular, and of course Guiness, just to name a few. You can avoid the crowds by getting there around 4pm. The heavy crowds start coming in around 6pm.

Tickets are $10 at the door, but you can purchase them online for $7.00 before the event. Ticket proceeds go to the New City YMCA.

To get there take the CTA Red Line "L" to the North/Clybourn stop, walk to Halsted and head south towards the blue-tiled New City YMCA.