Sunday August 30th, 1981 was an overcast day in Peoria when the first Erin Feis event was held outdoors at the Peoria Knights of Columbus. Over 800 people attended the 8-hour family event, sponsored by the newly formed Saint Patrick Society of Peoria. Entertainment on stage featured local bagpipers and the Barley’s, a local Irish group. Several of the large tents served corned beef and cabbage, along with some other great Irish foods and beverages. Many vendors were in attendance selling Irish merchandise that you cannot find in stores. The new Erin Feis t-shirts sold fast and the money that was raised paid for the next Erin Feis and Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.