(2/7) Irish eyes are sure to be smiling-and toes will certainly be tapping-at this year's Celtic Celebration, presented free to the community by the Emmitsburg and Thurmont branches of Frederick County Public Libraries.

The popular event will feature renowned hammered dulcimer artist Maggie Sansone, who performed to a standing-room-only crowd at last year's festival, along with the talented Sue Richards on harp and Andrea Hoag on fiddle. A high-stepping troupe of Irish dancers will round out the performance.

Due to last year's record-breaking attendance, the Celtic Festival has relocated to Mount St. Mary's Knott Auditorium, with easy access from Route 15, plenty of free parking, comfortable seating, and excellent acoustics. The performance takes place March 19 at 7 pm. Admission is free and registration or tickets are not required.

"There are fans of traditional Celtic music all over the place-but most of us need to travel a long distance to experience it," comments Susan Cardella, Library Associate II at the Emmitsburg branch, one of the event's key planners. "This is an unusual event for the Thurmont and Emmitsburg area-the only one I know of, even though this northern part of the county is rich in Celtic heritage."

Susan expects a large turnout, given the popularity of last year's festival, and Erin Dingle, Administrator at the Thurmont branch, is equally optimistic. "Everyone is Irish in March! It's the perfect time for all ages to get in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and enjoy some beautiful Celtic music and dancing. As in the past, we hope that the Emmitsburg and Thurmont communities-as well as other communities-enjoy this program as both an entertainment opportunity and a cultural event."