McPherson (KS) Scottish Festival

The McPherson (Kansas) Scottish Festival and Highland Games is at Lakeside Park, McPherson, Kansas the fourth weekend of Sept.
Enjoy two full days of Scottish and Celtic heritage and traditions.
Family fun for everyone, whether Scottish or not.

Settle into a chair under a big tent to hear Celtic music and watch Highland or Irish dancing.
Scottish and Irish folk singers and instrumentalists including
Scottish baritone balladeer Alex Beaton, born in Glasgow, Scotland and now residing in Franklin, KY;
Kansas City-based Shortleaf Band;
Tairis [TAH-rish], a tenacious Celtic trio from Madison, WI delighting in songs and tunes from the old and new Celtic worlds. Defined by tight, traditional harmony singing and Gaelic-language vocals, Tairis is: Amy Curl (vocals), Daithi [DAH-hee] Wolfe (fiddle, vocals) & Sheila Shigley (vocals, fiddle, cello);
Omaha-based Ellis Island composed of Mick Doyle and Dave Marsh, bringing the Irish pub experience to American audiences.
Celtic harp by RoJean Loucks, Salina, KS.

Marvel at the marching bagpipe bands and parade of tartans and kilts representing various Scottish clans.

Grab a seat on the bleachers to watch burly athletes turn the caber and toss the sheaf, as the announcer tells what to watch for.

Many family activities. Children receive a prize bag by participating in the passport game and visiting the clan information tents.
They can do crafts for a while; then pet the Highland cattle, watch the border collies herd a flock of sheep, or see the birds of prey exhibit.

Enjoy a lunch of Scottish meat pies or German sausage, or a cup of tea and a scone.
Browse the vendors of Scottish and Celtic goods and examine the stunning British car display.

Clan gathering and fire ceremony plus short Alex Beaton concert Friday evening (FREE admission); music program and country dance Saturday evening (admission charged).

Information from the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1-800-324-8022, or at the festival website, www.macfestival.org.