Portsmouth's Irish pub took on a lively and festive air Saturday night as the local Celtic community celebrated its Imbolc 2008 St. Brigid's Day event, an ancient festival of hearth and home commemorating the lengthening of days and the coming of spring.

The event also served as a membership drive, as members of the 7 Nations Celtic Club celebrated with live music and assorted foods at the Port City Cafe and Pub, 424 Chillicothe St.

"We encourage anyone who has an interest in Celtic culture to be part of our organization," said John Hogan, president of the club. "We're just a group of people who are doing something to lift the spirit of the community."

According to the club's brochure, regardless of whether or not you can trace your own roots to a Celtic origin, "their influence on all of us is irrefutable."

Anyone who appreciates the influence of Celtic culture on contemporary history and lifestyles, or who would like to learn more, is welcome to participate in the club, regardless of ethnic origin, Hogan said.

Hogan said there are about 54 members, but as in most club's, there are 10 or 15 who are "the worker bees. So we're trying to get new members coming in."

Portsmouth's St. Patrick's Day Parade is the main event for the group. Last year's parade was the first for the club, and, Hogan said, through the club's research it found there never had been an official St. Patrick's Day parade in Portsmouth.

In addition to the parade, the goal is to expand the club's educational and social mission.

"Hopefully, we'd love to get some money coming in so we could set up a trust for scholarships for Celtic studies and send kids to Ireland, Scotland or Wales to summer school," Hogan said. "We're far from that now."

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.