Irish music, history to be celebrated at Fairplex

Thousands of visitors of Irish heritage and those who are simply Irish at heart will converge on Fairplex this weekend for the 8th Annual Los Angeles County Irish Fair & Music Festival.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday and brings together numerous activities for young and old alike, according to a statement from event organizers.

Activities will take place outdoors but will be moved indoors in case of rain.

Today is Irish Heritage Day and visitors with the last name of Murphy will be admitted for free.

Event organizers selected the surname Murphy because it is the most common Irish last name and is 58th among the most common last names in the country according to 2000 U.S. Census data, the statement said.

Entertainment will be plentiful with musical groups and dance performers appearing on eight stages.

Family activities will include games, carnival rides and story tellers. Visitors will also find a village where artists and craftsmen will demonstrates their trades while dressed in period attire.

Visitors will find plenty of shopping opportunities at the Irish Marketplace where imported food and clothing will be sold.

Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and free for children 12 and under.

Parking is available at Gate 9 on White Avenue.

For more information go to la-irishfair.com or call 562-531-3150.