Irish Fair of Minn. New Mascot Fundraiser

Give to the Max for the Irish Fair of Minnesota

The Irish Fair of Minnesota is a joyful celebration of Irish culture, community, and heritage—and our mascot is our beloved ambassador of that spirit. From greeting families at the gates to dancing along with the céilí bands, our mascot embodies the fun, warmth, and good humor that make the Irish Fair such a treasure.

Unfortunately, earlier this year our longtime mascot met an untimely end in what can only be described as a tragic dry cleaning accident. While we can laugh about it now, the loss left a real gap in our public presence. Without a mascot, we’re missing an important way to connect with kids, bring energy to outside events, and represent the Irish Fair throughout the year.

That’s why this Give to the Max Day, we’re asking for your help to raise $15,000 to design and build a brand-new mascot costume (these costumes are very expensive!). A high-quality mascot is more than a costume—it’s a durable, professional-grade character that can withstand weather, travel, and countless hugs. With your support, we’ll be able to bring our mascot back stronger, safer, and more huggable than ever.

If we are unable to raise at least $5,000 (the amount needed to create a new mascot head as opposed to the entire costume, both of which are desperately needed) — we will redirect all donations from Give to the Max Day to help subsidize our 2026 entertainment lineup. This ensures that every gift still directly enhances the Irish Fair experience and helps us bring top-quality music, dance, and cultural programming to our community next year.

Your gift will help us:

• Commission an updated mascot design that reflects the joy and heritage of the Irish Fair
• Create a durable, heat-safe, performer-friendly costume 
• Train and equip our volunteer performers
• Restore a beloved part of our community outreach

The Irish Fair of Minnesota is a nonprofit that relies on community generosity to keep the festival running. Every dollar you give helps us continue offering music, dance, culture, and connection to thousands of people each year. Restoring our mascot may seem like a small thing—but to the families who look for that cheerful character every August, it means the world.

If you have ever posed for a photo with Baary or had a smile on your face while watching his antics at the Irish Fair, we hope you’ll consider supporting this effort. Together, we can bring our mascot back to life and keep the magic of the Fair shining bright.

Give to the Max today and help us reach $15,000.  Thank you for keeping the Irish spirit alive in Minnesota!