The Seaside Highland Games, Ventura’s very own Scottish/Celtic Festival, will return to their home on California’s Central Coast this October 8 & 9, 2022. 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 believe that a proper Highland Festival must have as its backbone a good representation of Scottish Clans and Societies. Still true, you will find over seventy (70) such Societies ready and able to discuss their strong connection to true Scottish soil. And to welcome you as either a newcomer or old friend—and 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 our amazing regulars the Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh on the Alex Beaton Center Stage, the always fine music of Sligo Rags–taking a break from Disneyland appearances. The popular Plougboys led by Mark Romano and The Angry Brians (who are not at all angry) will headline the Celtic Rock Stage.
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 the amazing Harp Glen sponsored by the venerable St. Andrews Society of Los Angeles!
But no Festival is complete without the huge and talented 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!! All the guest pipe and drum bands will march interspersed with Clan/Family groups past the Alex Beaton Stage to officially open the Games to all comers! Grab a chair or bleacher seat for this spectacularly bright and colorful event.
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 the young folks at Seaside will be competing for prize money and honors in dance, piping & drumming, and athletics. Be there to cheer them on as we grant them their 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 ScotchTasting 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!
Make your plans to join us on the Fairgrounds in October. Lovely Buenaventura awaits! For more information visit Seaside-Games.com.
