On February 26, the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance (FSID) officially launched in downtown Lake Forest. Attendees enjoyed live Irish music by The Boils and a performance by the newest FSID dancers before getting up on the dance floor as Katie Fitzpatrick T.C.R.G. led an interactive Irish céilí.

The crowd featured a mix of local families and Irish notables, including Sarah Keating, the Vice Consul of Ireland, Cliff Carlson, Publisher of the Irish American News, and Paul Dowling, Executive Director of Irish Community Services. The event was held at Collective Dance, 295 E. Illinois, where classes are currently held on Saturday mornings.

Founded by certified Irish dance instructor Katie Fitzpatrick T.C.R.G., FSID teaches traditional and contemporary styles of Irish dance with a mission to empower dancers with the skills and confidence to bring joy to others through Irish dance.