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History
1985

A little past midnight on January 1st Vodafone made the first mobile call in the UK and launched the United Kingdom's first cellular network.

1987

Vodafone launched Vodapage which provided 80% of the United Kingdoms population with paging service.

1991

Vodafone UK launches its GSM mobile phone network.

1994

Vodafone UK's Vodata is the first network to provide digital data, fax, and text messaging service. Vodafone begins working with Globalstar to develop and launch a satellite to provide satellite phone service.

1999

On January 5th, Vodafone UK connects its 5 millionth customer.

2001

Vodafone makes their first 3G voice call over their new 3G network.

2003

Vodafone UK debuts the Speaking Phone, a phone for blind or visually impaired users.

2007

Vodafone UK announces the launch of Vodafone UK Secure Remote Access.

2009

The Vodafone Foundation starts the UK World of Difference program.

2010

Vodafone UK is awarded Best Network by the Mobile News and Mobile Awards.

The Dublin Irish Festival is an annual music and cultural festival held in Dublin, Ohio. It takes place during the first weekend of August, and it attracts over 100,000 visitors to eight entertainment stages on 29 acre in and beyond Coffman Park. Activities include Irish and other Celtic music, genealogy, food and drink, dance, cultural exhibits, games, sports, arts and crafts, and children's activities. The Dublin Irish Festival Academy offers a variety of classes led by DIF performers highlighting Irish music and culture.

The event, produced and supported by the City of Dublin, is one of America's largest Irish festivals. The Columbus Feis, an internationally renowned Irish dance competition, occurs every year at the same time as the Irish Festival. The 2012 Dublin Irish Festival takes place August 3, 4 & 5. The main attractions play at stages located throughout Coffman Park, including the Killian's Celtic Rock Stage, Celtic Music House, Scotts Miracle-Gro Dublin Stage, the Wendys Wee Folk Stage and the IGS Energy Ceili Dance tent.

History
The Irish Festival began in 1988 with a handful of dancers and musicians on a tennis court. In 1992 the City of Dublin became the main sponsor of the Festival. In 1993 for the first time attendance surpasses 10,000. On the Irish Festival's 10th anniversary, in 1997, attendees set the Guinness Book of World Records' record for the Largest Irish Jig. In 1999 the Festival generated approximately $1.5 million. On the Irish Festival's 15th anniversary, in 2002, attendance reaches 70,000. 2002 marks Flogging Molly's debut concert at the Irish Festival. In 2006, the Festival presents the Dublin Irish Festival Stout, a beer that is brewed exclusively for the Festival. In 2009, attendance breaks 100,000 for the first time in the history of the Festival.

Activities
Wee Folk Area

The Wendy's Wee Folk area features free activities, entertainment and crafts. Acticivities include magicians, storytellers and, an Irish dance lesson. Another feature are vendors unique to the Wee Folk area. Children will have the opportunity to make a candy straw or have their faces painted. There is also Irish contests for reddest hair, greenest eyes and most freckles. Also children will have access to the Pot O'Gold Playland, a game area with inflatable rides, Gaelic games, and a climbing wall.

Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Fun Run/Walk

Every year the the Irish Festival has a 5K in which the contestents wear green. As of 2012, the Irish Festival will be having a kids run in addition to the normal 5K.

Cultural Activities

The Cultural Activities will allow participants to visit the past at they learn to play Ancient Irish musical instruments, discover information about Irish history and traditions, and demonstrations on ancient ways of life.

Beverage Tasting

Each year there is a beverage tasting for adults. These include beer tastings, Irish whiskey tastings and as of 2011 the festival has included a mead tasting. In addition to the beverage tasting, the Festival has its own stout exclusivle brewed for the event.

Celtic Canines

The Irish Festival features an area presenting multiple dog breeds that originate from Ireland Sunday Services

On Sundays the Irish Festival opens with a traditional Irish breakfast and an American breakfast. In addition, the Festival also offers multiple denominations of Mass, including an Irish Mass, a Traditional Mass and a Druid Service.

Academy Classes

Before the Irish Festival begins, people will have the opportunity to attend a variety of classes that focus on Irish music and culture.

Celtic Sports

The Irish Festival hosts a variety of sporting events for attendees to participate in, including cornhole and a darts tournament. In addition the Festival presents the Highland Heavyweight Games. The games are a tribute to the ancient tradition when warring clans would battle with each other to prove their strength and agility. Attendees will watch as the teams compete in events such as the caber toss, stone put, weight throw, weight-over-bar, sheaf toss and hammer toss. A bagpipes showcase will also be available for viewing.

Gathering of Redheads

Redheads will have the opportunity to be apart of the Midwest's Largest Gathering of Redheads. A group photograph will also be taken.

Sand Sculptures

Since 2003, The Irish Festival has featured large sand sculptures, showcasing Irish life and themes.

Awards
In 2006, the Festival was awarded an EXPY from Experience Columbus. The 2007 Festival was recognized by the International Festivals and Events Association with the Silver Grand Pinnacle Award, recognizing top events in the world. It was also selected by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 events for 2009. The 2011 Irish Festival was honored with 7 International Festival and Events Association Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. The Festival receved gold in Best New Single Sponsor Program, Best TV Promotion Ad Spot and Best Merchandise. Silver in Best Social Media Site and Best T-Shirt Design. Also the Festival took bronze in Best Individual Sponsorship Program and Best Single Magazine Display Ad.