St. Patrick's Day Festival  Sunday, March 17, 2013 Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $2 admission, under 12 free at Orange County Market Place / Swap Meet, 949-723-6660 / ocmarketplace.com

See  Coverage

Get in the Irish Spirit at The Orange County Market Place with the  Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival at the Orange County Market Place at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa

St. Paddy's Day is just around the bend when OC Market Place introduces great Irish entertainment such as the championship Irish dancers, a Celtic cellist, a Leprechaun magician and nine foot Irish lass. Many great acts   perform at the annual festivities.

All entertainment is included in the $2 admission or free for attendees 12 years and younger. There's free green mint ice cream for everyone. Here are the highlights:

See video of dancers!

World Champion Dance Troupes from Orange County: Westside Stage Claddagh School of Irish Dance: 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. Aniar Academy of Irish Dance: 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. Fearon O'Connor School of Irish Dance: 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Celtic Electric Cellist ACE Entertainment Stage Marston Smith: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Strolling Entertainment Abbit the Average Leprechaun (Jeff Abbit): Magic & comedy: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Irish Lass Stilt Walker, Joy Halverson: Noon to 2 p.m. Green Lemonade and Free Green Mint Ice Cream while supplies last.

Along with nearly 1,000 vendors featuring a myriad of products and services, fresh produce, luxury used cars, artisans and crafters, children's play area, hair salons, butcher shop, food concessions, beer, sausages and much more. The Orange County Market Place is located at the O.C. Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking available.