Organizers predicted about 25,000 people would attend one of the state's largest Irish festival throughout the day. Watch video
OCEANPORT -- From kilts and Guinness to a human horserace, thousands of festivalgoers descended on Monmouth Park racetrack Sunday for one of the state's largest Irish gatherings.
John Sheridan, the festival's entertainment director, said about 25,000 people would attend the New Jersey Irish Festival throughout the day.
"People are not here for the horse racing, they're here for the Irish festival," Sheridan said.
In its 46th year, the festival featured nine bands, four Irish dance schools and scores of vendors. Many of the attendees donned green shirts and kilts as they chowed down on corn beef and other Irish cuisine.
Proceeds from the festival were donated to the Rebuilding Warriors foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other injuries.
Sheridan said the festival hoped to donate between $15,000 and $20,000 to the group.
"We're going to hit our goal," he said.
Long Valley resident Bill Osborn, 55, said he attends about seven Irish festival gatherings each summer.
"I like coming here," he said. "It's one of the bigger ones in New Jersey."
Osborn, who is a member of the Rory O'Moore Pipes and Drums band, said his favorite part of the festival is the Smithwick's beer and Irish foods.
Also in attendance was Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, who was enjoying the festival with his daughter, Hannah.
"This is the heart of the Irish Riviera here at the Jersey Shore," Doherty said. "We're here to celebrate our Irish heritage."
This is the seventh year the Irish festival has been held at Monmouth Park racetrack, Sheridan said. It used to be held at the PNC Bank Arts Center and the Blue Claws' baseball stadium in Lakewood.
"This is the best venue because it's the biggest," Sheridan said.
The sprawling festival location included six music stages, a beer garden, and dozens of food and clothing vendors. It also featured a human horserace on the same dirt track used for the thoroughbred races.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.