Mokena's 'The Dock' Owners Bring Beloved Irish Fest Tradition To Front Street

Irish Fest Under The Big Top features an Irish soda bread contest, Irish dancers, bagpipes, themed food and drinks, kids' activities, and more.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:33am

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Julie and Rick Trafton, owners of The Dock On Front Street in Mokena, Illinois, are bringing their long-standing Irish Fest tradition to the Mokena Metra station parking lot on March 14. The event, dubbed 'Irish Fest Under The Big Top,' will feature an Irish soda bread contest, Irish dancers, bagpipes, themed food and drinks, kids' activities, a DJ, and a beer tent.

Why it matters

The Traftons' Irish Fest is a beloved tradition that dates back to their ownership of past businesses. By bringing it to Mokena, they hope to provide the community with a new event to celebrate their Irish heritage and bring people together.

The details

The Irish Fest will take place under a heated tent in the Metra lot in front of The Dock. The soda bread contest is a highlight, with $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd. A panel of judges, led by Julie's father, will judge the breads blindly. The event will also feature Irish dancers, bagpipes, themed food and drinks, kids' activities, a DJ, and a beer tent.

  • Irish Fest Under The Big Top is set for Saturday, March 14, from 12 to 11 p.m.
  • Soda bread entries should be dropped off from 12 to 2 p.m., and judging begins promptly at 2 p.m.
  • Irish dancers from the Sullivan School are set for 3 p.m., and Irish soda bread contest winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
  • A bagpipes performance is set for 5 p.m., followed by Motown Nation from 7 to 10 p.m.

The players

Julie and Rick Trafton

The owners of The Dock On Front Street in Mokena, Illinois, who are bringing their long-standing Irish Fest tradition to the community.

The Dock On Front Street

A new restaurant venture owned by Julie and Rick Trafton, located at 11116 Front St. in Mokena, Illinois.

Mokena Chamber of Commerce

A nonprofit organization that has proven essential to the Traftons' start in Mokena, and will receive proceeds from the Irish Fest's split-the-pot raffle.

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What they’re saying

“Mokena's been starving for things to do. We want to take the energy that we've developed here, give the community something else to do.”

— Rick Trafton

“Growing up in the Mother McAuley High School area, and being an Irish-Catholic family, we went to Reilly's Daughter's Irish soda bread contest. It was a bonding experience and became a family tradition spanning generations, and eventually was woven into our businesses.”

— Julie Trafton

“Soda bread, the first year we did it, had just 15 breads. We built it up each year, and one year we were up to 120 breads.”

— Rick Trafton

What’s next

The Traftons hope to continue growing the Irish Fest tradition in Mokena, with plans to hold the event annually.

The takeaway

The Traftons' decision to bring their beloved Irish Fest tradition to Mokena's Front Street highlights the power of community-driven events to bring people together and celebrate local culture. Their commitment to preserving family traditions and supporting the Mokena Chamber of Commerce demonstrates their dedication to building a vibrant, inclusive community.