The festival supports the oldest Scots Covenanter Church in North America. As you can imagine it takes a lot to keep up old buildings. This one was built in 1754, but rebuilt in the 1800's. Over the years they added a school room on as well. It is no longer in use but has been refurbished after years of sitting empty.
Last year was the first year for the festival and it has grown this year. They had highland games, a piping competition, musical performances by Charlie Zahm, Fire In The Glen, and other local performers. The Washington Memorial Pipe Band performed, and accompanied the Campbell School of Scottish Dance. There were vendors, and clan tents as well as a company called Fresh Steel that showed broadsword fighting, fighting with dirks, and we got to see chain mail up close.
We had a lot of fun meeting members of Clan Donald (my family were sept to the clan for centuries, and the bards of the clan), met a nice lady at the Campbell clan's tent, too. Tim's mother is a Campbell through her mother's side. If you know anything about Scottish history, the McDonald's and the Campbell's were kind of like the Hatfield's and the McCoy's in American history. People are always surprised and they laugh when they hear that I am from the McDonald's and Tim is from the Campbell's! Once a man commented about us being married, "Not to each other!?"
This is Justin, and member of Clan Donald. He looked smart in his dress shirt, tie, vest and kilt.
There was a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of a Revolutionary soldier.
The start of the Opening Ceremonies.
If you can't tell what they are doing, they are tossing a caber!
The rain was intermittent and didn't bother us that much, as it was very light. We left after 2:00 this afternoon and since then it has been pouring!
We had a great time at this festival and will be going again next year. It is
8 comments:
I am sure I would enjoy that festival. The Claymore sword is impressive and I can see how they would be used, as you described. Imagine you two marrying and finding a way of peace going forward for your clans.
It is...how enigmatic! Kyle's sword certainly looks as if it could do a lot of damage. So obviously, you and Tim are long over that ancient and ongoing battle. Have you ever even discussed it?
This event looks to be right up your alley!!
Giggling at Vee's comment! :D
This is timely for me to enjoy Deanna as our Celtic Festival that would have been held Saturday too was cancelled due to lack of funds. Too bad, because I enjoyed the music, dancing, competitions and food vendors. Last year I stood in the drizzling rain collecting food and money for the food bank our church runs in the community.
Seems I may have started reading your blog around the time you took that trip with your father. Every year we think we should go to the Scottish games up in the mountains but never do. We aren't even Scottish but I know they would be enjoyable. We have a young bagpiper who does really well and plays for special occasions at our church. And I know an 8 year old who is beginning lessons!
that looks like loads of fun!
My Amber lived in Scotland for a year and we visited them there for the whole month of December! We love all things Scottish and all four of her quads have Scottish names!
I hope that you will come to our festival again this year!
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