Photo: Natalie MacMaster The 2010 Colorado Irish Festival celebrates its “Sweet Sixteen” year with the right mix of sugar and spice. In its 16th year, the Colorado Irish Festival has grown from a humble gathering of Denver”s Irish non-profit groups and friends to the premier destination Irish festival in the Rocky Mountains. In part, this is due to the history of strong entertainment showcasing both established and rising International acts, along with picks from a talented pool of Colorado acts.This year the Fest welcomes one of the sweetest woman in Celtic music is the fiery fiddler virtuoso Natalie MacMaster from Cape Breton. New to the Fest, she is no stranger to Colorado and electrified audiences from Telluride to Red Rocks. Pogey, will debut their own brand of Nova Scotia spice with high octane and fully interactive stage shows that have been creating a buzz.Maureen and Karen Ennis and their band Ennis from Newfoundland will charm Colorado Irish Fest audiences for the first time with broad mix of songs, tunes, and humorous story telling. The girls have one gold album and two more on compilations.McPeake, from the legendary musical family and school from Belfast will continue the 100 year McPeake legacy of excellence with their second consecutive visit to the Fest. Also returning by popular demand are The Elders. Led by County Wicklow native Ian Byrne, they”ll bring their sweat drenched “arsekickin music from the heartland” to their appreciative fans. Last year Seven Nations made a “surprise” visit to the fest and playeda set that brought the house down. The multi-dimensional rockers will play all three daysthis year. Included among the homegrown talent are Colcannon, The Indulgers, Angus Mohr, Potcheen and others.There”s loads more music, sessions, and workshops – along with Irish dance, battling bagpipes, Irish Sports, Celtic artisans, food and drink. The Cultural Village will offer storytelling, music, history, and Irish genealogical for adults and kids.So come on down and celebrate the three day B-day at Clement Park in Littleton by the banks of Johnson Reservoir!16th Annual Colorado Irish Festival NATALIE MacMASTER ” ENNIS ” POGEY ” THE ELDERS ” McPEAKE SEVEN NATIONS ” COLCANNON ” THE INDULGERS ” ANGUS MOHR POTCHEEN ” GOB”s O”PHUN ” JUICE O” The BARLEY ” MONDRAGON SKEAN DUBH ” CANNED HAGGIS ” ORION”S BOW ” Irish Dance ” Pipe Bands Irish Sports ” Cultural Village ” Storytelling ” Celtic Marketplace ” Kids AreaCLEMENT PARK, 7306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton, ColoradoChildren under 12 Free All Weekend. FREE Parking & ShuttleFriday July 9th 5 PM ” 10 PM ($5 at door)Saturday July 10th 10 AM ” 10 PM ($12 at door) Sunday & 11th, 9 AM ” 10 PM ($12 at door)( Help Denver Rescue Mission and get in FREE on Sunday – arrive at the gate on or before noon with three items of non perishable goods for FREE entry)