The 4th annual Beaufort Irish Festival is kicking off. The festival was founded by a small group of interested citizens and local sponsors who wanted to bring the Beaufort community an awareness of Irish culture, music, art, history and traditions. The event has grown to more than 10 unique activities this year. All benefits and proceeds are donated to Hope Haven of the Lowcountry, the children’s advocacy and rape crisis center.

Last year, Beaufort Irish Festival donated $1,300 from the festival proceeds to Hope Haven. The main body of the festival starts Saturday, February 25 and runs through Feb. 27. Sponsors and financial backers for this year’s program include:

• DIAGEO: one of the largest adult beverage distributors on the East Coast

• Guinness: The renowned Irish brew

• Luther’s Rare &amp; Well Done restaurant on Bay Street

• DEALS: selling ladies clothing and fine Irish imports on Bay Street

• D and S Heating and Air Conditioning, Pat Dennis of Lost Island • Lee Distributor: adult beverage distributor serving the Lowcountry

• Signature Cleaning and Home Management, LLC, Brenda Hill

• Sand Science, Gerry and Diane Kenny

• Nancy Rhodes Pratt

• Grant, Bill and Betsey Robinson.

A Ceili Irish Dance group, the Sun City Irish Dancers, led participants of all ages in learning various Irish dances on January 8. More than 30 participants showed up to kick up their heels and learn the dance steps.

Find more information at www.beaufortirishfestival.org.