Targeting specific pitches for "events within the event" to regional media, via both press releases and individual contact, yielded a significant quantity of quality television and newspaper "hits" both leading into and following the first-year event. Media coverage included:

Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Good Day Tampa Bay
WTVT-FOX 13 (Tampa)
Russell Rhodes
Taped piece, ran twice from live shots over the course of two hours, on-location.

March 12-March 18, 2003
"Emerald Style: The Prodigals revel in their heritage without the cute gimmicks"
Scott Harrell
Weekly Planet (Tampa/Sarasota)
Interview with Gregory Grene of the Prodigals promoting their Sunday evening Celtic Fling concert.

Arts & Entertainment: "Planet Picks: Two-Day Fling"
Natasha Del Toro
Weekly Planet (Sarasota)
Featured event listing for the week.

Event Listing: Arts & Entertainment/Special Events
Weekly Planet (Tampa/Sarasota)

Thursday, March 13, 2003
This Morning Around the Bay
WTSP - Channel 10 (CBS - Tampa)
Live, in-studio appearance/performance, plus bumpers in and out of commercial break.

On the Scene With Sheryl Greene
WWSB-ABC 40 (Sarasota)
Sheryl Greene
Taped segment, airing during 5 p.m. news and the following morning during the Sunrise show. Focused on Celtic Fling as one of the best "things to do" for the weekend.

Friday, March 14, 2003
ABC-40 News at Sunrise (6 a.m. to 7 a.m.)
Anchors: Richelle Ridgeway and Ken Jefferson
Live, in-studio performances by multiple Celtic Fling participants/performers throughout the course of the broadcast (bumpers in and out), during a dedicated segment and closing out the show. The Sheryl Greene piece was also rerun.

"Celtic Fling: A gathering of cultures & customs"
Rod Harmon, photos from Celtic Fling/Gary Sweetman
Bradenton Herald: Weekend (Cover story and centerfold)

Including:
- Feature article/preview
- Glossary of Celtic terms
- Interview with Gregory Grene of the Prodigals
- Sidebar profiling other musical performers
- Photo and caption featuring Irish dancers

"Celtic cultures on center stage in Palmetto"
Steve Heisler
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Ticket
Overview piece in advance of the event, including interviews with event producers and talent.

Sunday, March 16, 2003
"Celtic Fling soaked in culture"
Abby Weingarten, photos by Alex Diaz
Bradenton Herald, p. 1 of Local & State section
Overview, feature-news piece on Saturday's festivities, included "If You Go" sidebar with admission prices, etc.

Monday, March 17, 2003
"Irish pride floods Celtic fling, games"
Abby Weingarten, photos by Tiffany Tompkins
Bradenton Herald, photo caption on Front page, p. 1 of Local & Business section
Overview, feature-news piece on Sunday's activities.

Photo: "Piping Practice"
Rod Millington
Manatee Herald-Tribune, p. 3B
Members of the City of Dunedin Pipe Band practicing before their competition.

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