Some memories of NTIF 2017

Last Year for The Elders

Yes, it's now official. We knew this when we booked them, and that's obviously why we were so keen to include them in our 2018 lineup, and we have just been authorized to make the announcement. This will be the last year that The Elders will be touring as a band. Incredible to believe, but these guys have been playing together for 20 years, and have been one of the favorites at NTIF for almost all of that time.

So, if you want to come and say goodbye to Ian, Steve, Brent and the rest of the guys, save your seat at the Shannon Stage at NTIF. They will be playing all three days and I'm sure their finale will be a show not to be missed.

Last Year for John Taylor

This is also the last year, and the final performance for our longtime friend John Taylor. Some of you may have seen his finale posting on Facebook late last year, and we hope to be able to repost that on the NTIF page shortly. John has been a great friend to many of us at NTIF and also at the Scottish Festival. There will be a toast to John at his performance on Sunday night.

Overflow Hotel

Having problems finding a hotel room or just want somewhere quiet and away from the party? Well, we have just secured a small block of rooms at the La Quinta Dallas North, 10001 N. Central Expy. That's on the southbound side just north of Walnut Hill Lane. They have both doubles and kings available at $89 per night plus tax. Call them now at (214) 361-8200, And yes, they are small dog friendly, serve continental breakfast and have a complimentary shuttle to the Walnut Hill DART station. Or, you can drive down to the Doubletree, park for free and take our complimentary shuttle.

Sprint - Presenting Sponsor

The SCMA welcomes Sprint as its 2018 Presenting Sponsor of the North Texas Irish Festival. Sprint is proud to be a community partner that connects people of the Dallas/Fort Worth communities by working with the SCMA to deliver world class Irish music and dance culture to North Texas. Sprint also thanks the over 500 volunteers for all the hard work to make this festival a success.

Looking for Volunteers

As always we are looking for new and returning volunteers. We offer the usual exchange; free festival entry, parking, t-shirt for two or more shifts for lots of hard work and the most fun event in Dallas!

A couple of areas need more help than ever. Our hospitality area, where we serve three full meals a day to musicians, staff and VIPs needs experienced or trainee restaurant staff. If you have any experience in the restaurant industry and want to help out, we could certainly put you to work.

As always, we really need help on both Sunday evening or Monday morning clearing up and moving back to our warehouse. We offer special incentives to these volunteers including Monday lunch, give-away tickets to other local events, T-shirt and many other goodies that we have left over. Plus you get to spend the entire weekend at the festival enjoying yourselves and not having to work.

Can't make up your mind and want to talk to other volunteers, then come along to the Volunteer Meeting on Sunday, January 28th at the Doubletree Hotel around 1:00pm and meet over 400 volunteers who can answer pretty much any question you have.

Welcome to NTIF 2018

Welcome to NTIF 2018. Looks like we are getting all that nasty cold weather out of our Texas system right now, so things will be great come March. Plus the Winter Olympics will be over and you'll want to get out of the house and have some real fun.

The festival will be open during the following hours: (subject to change)

• Friday evening from 6:00 pm till 11:00 pm
• Saturday from  10:30 am till 11:30 pm
• Sunday from 11:30 am till 7:30 pm

Ticket sales will end approximately one hour prior to the gates closing. Alcohol sales will end approximately 30 minutes prior to the end of the festival.

Please note. These are the times that the gates will close for the night. Food & beverage sales, vendors and most music performances close somewhat earlier.

Volunteers

Now accepting applications from volunteers. Sign up online and beat the rush - the best shifts go fast.

Doubletree Hotel

The Doubletree at Campbell Center, our host hotel, is now taking reservations. You may either call the hotel direct at (214) 691-8700 and give the block code NTI, or make a reservation here online.

Warning, the hotel is booking up fast, and some nights are already unavailable. We are working with another local hotel as backup.

Dogs

Reminder, dogs are always welcome at NTIF subject to a few rules. Firstly they must always be kept on a short leash - none of those 20ft long extensions. Secondly, be aware that not all dogs get on with all other dogs, so even though yours may be the most friendly critter on the planet, he or she may just bark out of the wrong side of their nose and upset another. Same goes with kids. Even the most friendly dog can get spooked by an overly affectionate youngster, so be careful.

Lastly, bring a supply of plastic bags - I don't have to tell you why! We do have a well equipped cleaning crew so in case of accidents contact any of our staff wearing a radio and they will help.