It’s time for all great Scots to gather and celebrate — with no need to travel to the motherland.
And the annual Columbus Scottish Festival’s event Saturday and Sunday includes multiple ways to mark a proud heritage. It ranges from serious Highland dance and athletic competition to a not-so-serious bonny knees competition.
The gathering slated for the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds on County Road 200 South in Garden City regularly highlights a world gone plaid. The environment includes pipe bands, Celtic groups, sheepdog demonstrations, whiskey tasting, a beer garden, children’s activities such as puppet shows and juggling, and more.
It’s all compressed into one space, during one weekend.
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“The thing about The Scottish Festival is, if you actually traveled to Scotland, you couldn’t possibly have all these events ‘smooshed’ together at one time,” said Justin Booth, festival coordinator.
That ‘smooshing’ is pretty smashing. Economic estimates showing that the event generates about $300,000 for the local economy, according to organizers.
Plus, the full schedule unfolds amid a Celtic market featuring everything from kilts to swords. Last year, attendance hit the 4,000 mark, according to Booth. About 70 percent of the crowd comes from beyond Bartholomew County, with the remainder from an area spread throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois.
And it’s tough to walk in any direction without hearing the mournful strains of bagpipes.
“We understand that bagpipes can be a love-them or hate-them kind of thing for some,” Booth said. “So, even for those who don’t like that, there’s still so much more to do.”
For instance, this year’s Highland Games, often with a certain power and flex appeal, will feature a record number of athletes.
Last year, 45 participants tossed sheafs, hammers and cabers amid a full schedule. This year, 70 athletes already have signed up, with probably more to come.
Another strong element thus far this year has been social media response from the public, according to Booth.
Also, organizers have added some new elements. For instance, an Indianapolis woman playing the character of Disney’s Scottish Princess Merida from the movie “Brave” will offer a storytime for youngsters.
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When: Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.
Where: Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, 750 County Road 200S in Garden City.
Early events Saturday: Highland Games competition begins, 8:30 a.m.; Willoughby Sprig performance, 10 a.m.; Highland dance competition begins, 10 a.m.
Early events Sunday: Highland Games competition, 9:30 a.m.; sheepdog demonstration, 10 a.m.; Lachlan performance, 10:40 a.m.
Tickets: Single-day tickets are $5 to $15, with children 4 and younger admitted free.
Information: scottishfestival.org
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