The Celtic Fringe was established in 1994 to provide networking and support for people in transition locating from European Celtic countries to the Kansas City area. Since it's inception, the Fringe has been much more than a social venue or a welcoming committee. The organization still fulfills the original purpose of providing assistance for newcomers by providing networking for employment, housing, social interaction, and hardship support when needed, and much more.

The Fringe is registered as a 501.C.3 non-profit, charitable organization. The Fringe has helped rehab houses in the inner city and sponsored fund-raisers for local charities such as Harvesters, KC Firefighters Burn Foundation, KC Public Radio, Rose Brooks Center, and provided assistance to Southeast Asian immigrants through the Don Bosco Community Center.

The Celtic Fringe represents a forum for people of Celtic heritage or interest to come together to rediscover or express their heritage. The Fringe brings people together in a lively and positive interchange of ideas, customs, and fun by participating in local events, parades, concerts, festivals and other cultural events. Many of the Fringe members belong to other organizations and provide the backbone and lifeblood for many of the Irish cultural events in Kansas City.

The organization is non-political, non-sectarian, non-religious and open to all with interest in Celtic Fellowship. And, although many members were born in Ireland or are of Irish descent, the membership is open and inclusive to anyone with interest in Celtic culture. This does provide a very active social calendar and supports the events of other organizations. The tone of the Fringe is decidedly informal, representing democratic involvement as its grass roots best. Members are invited to be as active or not, as they desire.

You're invited to sit in at one of our meetings and see what the Celtic Fringe is all about. Visitors are always welcomed. Our meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm at The Gaf, in the Waldo area of Kansas City, MO.

The 2010 officers of the Celtic Fringe are
Mike Casey: president
Susan Morton: vice president
Rory O'Connor: treasurer