RANKIN, Pa. —

The Carrie Blast Furnace in Rankin will be home to a massive celebration of Irish history and heritage this weekend at the 34th annual Irish Festival.

"You do not have to be Irish to love the Irish Festival," said the festival CEO, Mairin Petrone. Advertisement

She added, "We are fun for everyone. I believe that Irish music and culture and dance and food is universally loved. I promise you, you are going to have a good time."

Each year, the three-day celebration centers on sharing and showcasing the local Irish community. It began as a "halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration," but has quickly grown.

"I never thought I would get to this point, quite frankly," explained Maura Krushinski, who, together with her sister, started the festival back in 1991.

Krushinski hande

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