Looking to escape to a Celtic Village? Something new is coming to the auld village green on Saturday, June 1 in the Community Park in Friendsville. The Garrett County Celtic Festival village (9:30 am–6 pm) continues to bring to life the traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Wales, Cornwall, and Asturias. Historical lectures, living history in the field, genealogy in the Glen of Scottish Clans, the Great Highland Games, and entertainers share the lore, traditions, and music … so much music and dance!
FESTIVAL PARADE at 9:30: Pipes and Drums welcome you.
THE GATHERING at NOON: Don’t miss it! Knights of St. Andrews Color Guard, pipes and drums, pageant of Clans, Living History Units, and dancers.
We are pleased to welcome back the Seán Heely Trio and our local favorites Aurora Celtic and the Shanty Irish. On the Dance Stage, the Teelin School of Irish Dance and the Pittsburgh Scottish Country Dance Society will again offer an invitation to learn.
On the Shamrock Stage, Greg Latta performs on Uilleann pipes and bouzouki, hammered dulcimer and more; Lynne Dale on Celtic harp; Tracy Jenkins with Scottish Border pipes; Katlin Likas fiddle and dance. All share traditions and stories about the musical development of their performance.
ARTS WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS with many types of Celtic instruments and ensemble playing are explored in the Shamrock room. Artists offer hands on workshops in traditional jewelry making, tartan weaving and history, and Celtic history and symbols created with wheat/straw designs. Come and make a quilting square and meet our local quilting club members.
Literature! Novels, fable, history, and poetry are captured in books offered by three local authors: Séamus Muir (Jim Zoller), Laura Treacy Bently, and Patricia Hopper Patteson. Chat with them about their inspirations for their writing.
The bairns (little kids) too can enjoy a whole day of fun at the Rainbow’s End. Among the many creative activities available are Celtic crafts, face painting, elf gardens, and costuming. The children can register to play in the Highland Games, the caber toss and the haggis hurl among the events. They will hear tales and fables, be entranced by Celtic folk lore, sing Gaelic tunes, and perhaps participate in a play about a great Irish fable. It’s a day-long family affair, with lots to do, hear, and see. Bring the kids (they’re free).
IN THE CHAUTAUQUA TENTS
John Miles is back with more history to share. How did Scots/Irish immigration manifest in Maryland as far west as the mountains? What is the history of the tartan and what is the great kilt? Learn how to construct your own Feileadh Mòr.
Don’t miss our Honorary Drum Major, Curt Mitchell, reciting the great Address to a Haggis by Robert Burns. We are honoring Ferguson Clan this year. David Ferguson will present Clan history and immigration. Cecilia Wright talks about the impact of the Irish on the B&O Railroad in western Maryland. Traditions of the Irish Wake (Cecilia Wright) will make an informative afternoon entertainment.
The Highland Games are back where athletes demonstrate traditional competition of the heavy events: sheaf toss, caber toss, stone put, hammer throw, among others. Testing both strength and power, the Games were originally designed to find the best warriors, couriers, and Clan bodyguards. Our competition hosts the flights of women as well.
Browse and procure themed wares among the many craft vendors in the Celtic Marketplace and look for demonstrations of the arts involved. And, the variety of traditional foods and spirited drink greatly enhance your village experience.