Dance to the music at the Highland Games.
Highland Festival must have a good representation of Scottish Clans and Societies
The Seaside Highland Games, Ventura’s very own Scottish/Celtic Festival, will return to their home on California’s Central Coast October 12 & 13. The Ventura County Fairgrounds is the ideal spot for this many-faceted Festival. Every Games activity from bagpipe bands to sheepdog demos is within easy access of the Fairgrounds’ Main Street—our “Clan Row.”
Beginning in 2002, the Organizers have held that a proper Highland Festival must have as its backbone a good representation of Scottish Clans and Societies. True to this day, you will find over seventy (70) such Societies ready and able to discuss their wee foothold on the true Scottish soil. And to welcome you as either a newcomer or old friend—or direct you to someone best able to help you trace your family lineage.
Perhaps you just came for the music. Well, do not dismay my friend. We are so pleased to offer a fine array of artists starting with the internationally renowned “Seven Nations” making a rare West Coast appearance and the always fine music of Sligo Rags–taking a break from Disneyland appearances. Highland Way lead artists Paul Castellanos and Brian Caldwell will keep your toes tapping as will newcomers Cockswain and fine tunes from Nerea, the Fiddler. All for the price of your admission ticket!
Dancing has always been a huge part of Seaside’s stage presentations from youthful Scottish Highland Dance to the more mature Scottish Country Dance (and, yes, you can most certainly join in)! And did I mention the lively Ventucky Cloggers who will amaze you with their rapid-fire heel and toe moves?!
But no Festival is complete without the amazing Scottish Heavy Athletes. Look to Morgan Arena for these talented fellas and gals tossing, throwing, heaving impossibly heavy implements to new height and distance records! And, yes, the long pole-like cabers are there to be turned as well. That event, like the stage shows, continues nonstop throughout the weekend.
If you can’t do without bagpipes—and which of us can—you are in the right place! Plan your weekend to arrive at Saturday’s Noon Grand Parade and Opening Ceremonies which will dazzle your eyes, ears and cellphone cameras!!
If you don’t have your very own kilt or tartan garb, look no further than the many high-quality vendors to find exactly what you need. And while there, why not sample some delicious Welsh Cakes or the wonderful Scottish meat pies or fish & chips and so much more…perhaps a Scottish Cerveza??!!
Many of these young folks will be competing for prize money and honors in dance, piping & drumming and athletics. Be there to cheer them on as we grant them well-earned prizes!
Classes in genealogy, Gaelic speaking, Scottish history and Scotch! So much to be learnt!
Friday night before the big weekend is a lively evening you are welcome to enjoy including a great Single Malt Tasting followed by a fine buffet supper and Scottish Fashion Show! These events—A Scottish Evening—kick off the weekend at the beautiful Four Points Sheraton and are not to be missed!
