Publicity and Media Information:
If you are a member of the media and would like more information or to set up an interview, please contact media@scottishfestival.org
If you would like to display a poster or a supply of brochures for the Festival, please contact media@scottishfestival.org
- Or contact us at:
- Columbus Scottish Festival
- PO Box 2573
- Columbus, Indiana 47202-2573
- Ph: 1-800-468-6564
Latest Press Release
Columbus Scottish Festival (Indiana), September 10-11, 2011
The Columbus Indiana Scottish Festival was a kernel of an idea in 1990 when Barbara Stewart, wife of then mayor Robert Stewart, with support from community groups and interested individuals, spearheaded a drive 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. Now, in 2011, the festival proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary!
To kick off this milestone weekend, the festival is expanding its customary two-day event to include a Friday night (September 9th) concert featuring the well-known Celtic rock band, Seven Nations. Check out their website at www.sevennations.com to get a taste of the band that the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal describes as teaching one important lesson: bagpipes rock!
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 brute 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. Heavy athletics are always a favorite and this year the festival again hosts The Midwest Highland Games Championships, drawing professional athletes in both men’s and women’s events.
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 building, bagpipes and drums tour the festival grounds at regular intervals throughout the day. And, of course, no festival is complete without a Ceilidh! Visitors and volunteers alike turn out Saturday evening for good food and music at our annual ceilidh featuring the festival entertainers.
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 .
