Music, dancing, cultural exhibits and presentations, genealogical information, an Irish baking demo and a display and talk about W.B. Yeats, the featured poet, will take place throughout the weekend not only on the Main Stage but also the Harp and Wee Folks stages, as well as in the cultural and arts tents.

People of all ages will be able to get mashed during the crowd-pleasing mashed potato-eating contest at 2 p.m. Aug. 12 near the Bantry areas. Irishfest merchandise will be prizes for the winners in the five classes — 5- to 7-year-olds, 8- to 11-year-olds, 12- to 15-year-olds, 16- to 18-year-olds and 19 and older. No second-place prizes will be offered, so competitors either win or go home, stuffed but empty-handed.

Other demonstrations will include sheep shearing, sheep herding and bag piping, among others.

The Wee Folks Tent will feature free activities for the 12-and-under set throughout the weekend, with a $5 wristband required for Irish-themed mini golf, riding the leprechaun train and a Cliffs of Moher bounce house.

One of the highlights for children — and, possibly more so for their parents — will be three contests on the final day: one for the reddest hair, another for the most freckles and the final gauge of Irish ancestry — the greenest eyes competition.