Columbus Scottish Festival

Columbus Scottish Festival, September 10-11, 2022
The Columbus Scottish Festival had its start in 1990’s with support from community groups and interested
individuals to create a festival that would celebrate Scottish heritage and customs. By 2001, the all-volunteer
festival was designated as a non-profit and incorporated as its own entity. In 2022, the festival proudly celebrates
its 29 th anniversary (missing a couple for the Covid pandemic) and is now the longest running community festival in
the area.
Always a family-friendly event, festival goers will enjoy viewing and participating in traditional Scottish activities.
Re-enactors represent Scottish people through time in both their homeland and abroad while the children’s area
provides hands-on activities to spark Scottish creativity and have a go at traditional Scottish athletics.
Athleticism is a big part of any Scottish festival and the Columbus Scottish Festival is no different in that regard.
Visitors will have their pick of events to see demonstrations of speed, skill and strength. The speed and agility of
the sheep dogs as they move their flocks with precision never fails to leave spectators in wonder. Strength and
agility are easily masked by the beauty and grace of the Highland dancers as they compete. This competition has
been growing steadily, drawing dancers from eight states.
Speed and strength of a different sort are also on display at the Pam Price European Car Show which showcases
classic and vintage European cars. Fans of British marques will enjoy an impressive variety ranging from Jaguar to
Morgan to Anglia. Trophies are awarded each day for Best of Show and the all-important People’s Choice Award.
Come out and vote for your favorite!
Visitors can research their own Scottish roots by chatting with representatives at the numerous Clan and Scottish
Society tents lining the venue’s paths or learn about the subtleties of that most Scottish of products, whisky, at the
Whisky Tasting sessions. Scottish merchandise and food, as well as a beer garden, are available throughout the
day.
Music is also a huge part of the festival. In addition to traditional and modern entertainers scheduled in the
entertainment venue, bagpipes and drums tour the festival grounds at regular intervals throughout the day. This
year the fabulous Dublin O’Shea, a Wisconsin-based Celtic band (http://www.dublinoshea.com ), will headline the
entertainment this year. The festival also welcomes back local band Highland Reign
(https://www.highlandreign.com/ ), always a favorite! Be sure to join us for the Ceilidh on Saturday featuring the
festival entertainers and have a go at Scottish country dance!
This year returning visitors will notice a change in the arrangement of the festival grounds, but as always, there will
be a warm welcome to all at the Columbus Scottish Festival, September 10-11 at the Bartholomew County
Fairgrounds, Columbus, Indiana. For more information, check out our website at www.scottishfestival.org.

Special note: The HSJ Online corndog stand will be present.