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Scottish Festival begins June 8th
"There has been so much excitement and anticipation building up," Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce (BUCCC) President Cindy Williams said. "This year we are again anticipating a great turnout, hopefully record breaking. I have been so impressed with everyone on the committee. The way they work together to pull this thing off is just amazing." Each year the festival adds new things to keep the experience fresh even for those who are seasoned attendees. In the past the event has featured workshops for the fiddle and harp. Williams said that among the new activities this year is a workshop featuring bagpipes. Also new this year is a children's tent, adding more variety to an event that festival organizers create with all ages in mind. "It can totally be a family event," Williams said. "There real- ly is something for everyone." While the activities at Meeks Park do not actually begin until Saturday, June 9, events such as the Kilted Golf Classic and Ceilidh Reception will be held on Friday, June 8. Programs offering a full schedule of the weekend's events will be for sale at the festival. Here is a small sample of what the weekend has to offer: Kilted Golf Classic The festivities begin Friday with a Kilted Golf Classic at Butternut Creek Golf Course. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The shotgun start begins at 9:00 a.m in a four person, best ball format. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and other trimmings will be available. Kilts are optional. Ceilidh The Ceilidh Reception will be held at North Georgia Technical College at 7:30 p.m. Friday, offering a dinner buffet, entertainment and fellowship. The dinner is open to anyone who wants to attend. Formal [Sunday] dress is required. Tickets can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce. "Ceilidh is the Scottish word for party, and basically it is like a kickoff party," Williams said of the dinner. "They have musical entertainment throughout the evening, and the menu is completely Scottish foods [including haggus]. There is a whole ceremony around the presentation of the haggus." Opening Ceremony The festivities at Meeks Park begin Saturday as the gates open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. The Opening Ceremony with the Parade of the Tartans and Massed Bands take place at noon on the main field. Demonstrators Attractions at the games are very diversified. Here are a few of the many forms of entertainment: The Georgia Falconry Association. It is a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the art and practice of falconry, as well as educating the public on the conservation, management, and ecology of raptors. Falconry, one of the world's oldest hunting sports, is defined as the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained raptor. The Wild Highlander's tent. Here you will see and learn things about the ancient highlander you never knew before. When you visit, be sure to catch Alex and Scot talking about the olde ways, wielding the weapons, and weaving tales of lore. You will also find an entertaining and educational 45 minute show covering the highlander's arsenal of weapons, the largest selection of hand crafted Scottish weapons available for purchase, a wealth of knowledge about the highlander and his weapons, books, t-shirts, accessories, and more. Border Collie demonstrations. These will be conducted during the day as a fun and informative way to learn more about these beautiful, smart, working dogs. Children's activities The purpose of the children's activities is to provide fun and safe activities for children ages 3- 13 while giving them the opportunity to learn about all things Scottish. For children of all ages there is the "Passport to the Clans" which encourages the children to visit the clan tents and learn something unique about each family represented. Once the children have visited a certain number of clans, they receive a prize for their participation. To inform children and their parents that Scotland is the birthplace of the game of golf - there is also a 4-hole miniature golf course for children and parents to enjoy together. For the younger kids there is the space walk in the shape of a Scottish castle, painting where they can have their favorite Scottish emblem painted on their face or arms and a train complete with a conductor that takes them for a ride through the festival grounds. For children ages 6- 13 there is the children's version of Scottish Athletics...the caber toss, putting the stone, and tossing the sheaf. There is instruction for the children before the event begins each day and all the athletic equipment is sized appropriately for the age group. Workshops Workshops in fiddle, harp, and bagpipes will be conducted Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge for these workshops. Bring your musical instrument and stand. The fiddle workshop will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at the fiddle tent on the path near the vendors. The harp workshop will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 9. It is taught by Kelly Stewart, renown Celtic harp performer and teacher. The bagpipes workshop will be held from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. both Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, at the Dance Pavilion. Concert Canadian Celtic rock band Hunting McLeod will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, entertaining audiences with a unique combination of traditional and modern Celtic music. Sunday Worship Service The gates reopen at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Aworship service with the Kirkin' of the Tartans will be held from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.. Closing Ceremony The closing ceremonies will begin at 3:00 p.m on the main field. |
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