Second Flanny Fest a Success

When the Madeira City School District suddenly lost its beloved elementary school Principal Chris Flanagan in 2023, the Madeira community honored him with gatherings at restaurants, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for the staff from the PTO, a district wide mural project, and shamrocks on laptops, street signs, and in parades. Perhaps the biggest way is Flanny Fest – a family event named after Chris and sponsored by the Madeira Youth Lacrosse organization. The second annual Flanny Fest was held Sunday, March 16, from 10 AM – 6 PM at the Madeira High School football stadium.

Flanny Fest celebrated Chris’ love of Madeira, his students, and lacrosse. It was held on St. Patrick’s Day 2024 in honor of Chris’ love for all things Irish. The day included youth girls and boys lacrosse games, food, entertainment from Irish dancers, music, activities for kids, a raffle to try and score a goal on Superintendent Kenji Matsudo, and prizes for leprechaun and Irish costumes. The event kicked off the Madeira Youth Lacrosse season – an organization near and dear to Chris Flanagan’s heart as he was one of the driving forces that brought the sport to Madeira. Money raised went to the Madeira Schools Foundation Chris Flanagan Memorial Scholarship set up for a fun-loving, high energy senior who loves life and learning while being a friend to all. A total of $12,835 was raised for the scholarship thanks to donations, sales of shirts & hats, silent auction baskets – even a donation from one of the opposing youth lacrosse teams.

Flanny Fest returned with more of what made the inaugural Flanny Fest such a success; games, activities, shooting contests, Irish Dancing by McGing Irish Dancers and raffles. Youth lacrosse games for girls and boys from grades 3-8 were played throughout the day with a break from 2-3:30 to recognize Madeira High School Class of 2024 graduate Finn McCarthy – recipient of last year’s Chris Flanagan Memorial Scholarship.

Food was available at food trucks and a concession stand. Also sold were limited edition 2nd Annual Flanny Fest shirts and Flanny Fest winter hats, as well as Madeira Lacrosse shirts and hats. There was no admission to get in - teams were set up to accept donations to the scholarship fund

Pictured below: Chris Flanagan