Transport yourself to centuries-old Scotland during the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22
By Patricia Nugent
Transport yourself to centuries-old Scotland, with highlander games, live jousting on horseback, kilt races, bagpipes and bands on four stages, international music and dance competitions, whisky tastings and culturally relevant fair food at the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, coming to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22.
“You don’t have to be Scottish to have the time of your life,” says Barry Conway, vice president of the games, as well as an accomplished bagpiper who competed in the very first games 47 years ago. “We offer something for all ages. We have an inflatables area for the kids with catapults they can fire into a castle and pet exhibitions from Irish wolfhounds and Scottish terriers to Clydesdale horses and Highland cattle. Several of the highland games, like tug-of-war, are scaled down for kids ages 2-11 to join in the fun. Music lovers will enjoy world-class competitions. Car afficionados can explore a collection of vintage British autos and motorcycles. And anyone curious about their genealogy will find rich resources to connect.”
He says the festival moved to the bigger digs at the fairgrounds two years ago to accommodate the growing crowds.
A Calling of the Clans
Kicking off the festival just after sunset on Friday night, this traditional torch ceremony commemorates the way the clans would gather—in a time without cell phones—to signify a special occasion, maybe the birth of a clan chief’s child or call to arms.
“Today it celebrates the connections we share between family, heritage and community,” says Barry. “Each of the 25 clans that have registered comes up and takes their torch.”
Let the Games Begin
On Saturday, the games begin throughout the fairgrounds and in the grandstands.
“Jousting is one of the most thrilling competitions, with knights charging each other on horseback trying to knock the other off, while scoring points with lance strikes.” says Barry. “The National Jousting Championship is in Colorado, and these guys come from all over the country to earn points to get there.”
During the grand parade at noon, even the border collies join in the act, herding sheep along the parade route throughout the fairgrounds.
Haggis, Anyone?
Among the 50 food and retail vendors, don’t miss Haggis Hut, which offers chips made of haggis (oatmeal and spices cooked inside a sheep’s stomach), Cameron’s Scottish Market from the east coast (offering their famous meat pies), and Sully’s from Medina with fish and chips.
“One of the most popular attractions is the whisky tasting,” says Barry. “We bring in four single malt Scottish whiskys and two single pot Irish whiskeys for people to savor. Only 250 sample tickets are sold. Our beer stands are a great complement to the hearty fare, too.”
A host of retailers will also be on hand offering clothing, home décor, art and all things Scottish, Irish and Welsh.
The festival closes in a blaze of glory with the Twilight Tattoo, a Scottish musical jam session of 25 Celtic rock bands and dancers. A few of the well-known musicians include Father, Son & Friends, The Prodigals, Bastard Bearded Irishmen, The Low Kings and On the Lash.
The festival will go on rain or shine Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road in Berea. Dogs are allowed to attend. For more information, go to OhioScottishGames.com. You can buy your tickets online or at the door. Prices range from $8-$10 for juniors ages 13-17 and $13-$22 for adults. Children 12 and under are always free.
Buy your tickets for the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival online now through Wednesday, May 15, and get a 10% discount. Visit OhioScottishGames.com.