The Austin Celtic Festival
October 24, 2009 by Grace Sydney
Filed under Festivals: 11 November, News and Festivals
Bagpipes beckon to residents of the live music capital of the world each fall as the annual Austin Celtic Festival gets underway by Ladybird Lake.
Events
Highland Games
Kilt-clad participants carry on a tradition reaching back to 12th century Scotland as they balance a large wooden pole in the caber toss just one of the tests of adults agility during the games. Kids can also participate in their own mini-version of the games.
History Performers
Enjoy a blast from the distant past as you watch vikings battle for victory, look on in awe at reenactors who conjure up the spirit of inhabitants from the Iron Age, and see promising Robin Hoods take aim at their target during an archery demonstration and King’s Tournament.
Storytelling
The rippling water of Lake Lady Bird Lake will sound like applause as storytellers weave fanciful tales on the stage at Seelie Court.
Dancing
Tartan will twirl on stage as dancing troupes move their feet to the beat of bagpipes and bodhrans. If the beat inspires you to move your feet, there will be free dance workshops for all ages.
Animals
Furry friends will be on hand to enjoy the festivities, including Scottish Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds, whose paws will promenade to the tune of a piper in the Celtic Dog Parade, while the intelligence of our tail-wagging chums will be on display during the sheep herding demonstration. (Pets will not be allowed on festival grounds due to health and safety regulations.)
Workshops
Although advanced classes require prepayment, beginners to the arts (including the Celtic guitar, Irish drums, Irish whistle, Scottish country dances, Breton dancing, Celtic poetry and more) can learn the basics at free workshops conducted both days.
Vendors
Looking for a Celtic Christmas gift? Browse among booths brimming with claddagh rings, green man garden sculptures and Celtic crosses.
When: November 7 and 8, 2009
Where: Fiesta Gardens on the shores of Lake Ladybird Lake in Austin.
For more information:
Get a peek at festivities in the following clip from The Daily Texan:
