The Salish Sea Feis is back again for its second year of competition, bringing hundreds of people to Sidney for an Irish dance competition.
Its first year began in 2001 as one of the Mary Winspear Centre’s first events and was the biggest event back then next to the boat show (the Sprakles Parade).
It returned in 2016, following an eight0year hiatus, and this year, the dancers are back.
“We are expecting around 300 dancers plus their families,” said Salish Sea Feis Chair Mairead O’Brien.
This year, the turnout will be 15 per cent bigger, with an expected 600 to 700 people — if parents and siblings are included.
O’Brien is the director of O’Brien School of Irish Dance, teaching out of four locations including Victoria, Duncan, North Vancouver and Ladner.
There are around 90 dancers from Greater Victoria who will compete, while the rest come from all over the Pacific Northwest, from Portland to Kelowna and Seattle, among other places. The next event for the Irish Dancers will be at the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival in May.
The Salish Sea Feis will take place Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to the public.
For more information on O’Brien School of Irish Dance visit obrienirishdance.com.