Tucson Celtic Festival

We attended a festival at the Rillito park in Tucson today. It wasn't very energetic but instead was mostly tents selling t-shirts, incense, jewelry, lots of carnival food, and lots of kilts. We did watch the stone throwing but the public was held 100 feet away so it was difficult to see. I doubt I would attend another.

I look forward to the Celtic festival every year. What's not to love? It all starts with the Pirate Pub Night, which included flaming bagpipes and drums this year - lots of great music and good beer, plus the Best Legs in a Kilt contest and games for the kids. The weather can impact things and it was a little chilly this year so not very well attended on Friday night, but the hardly folk in attendance (many of whom ALWAYS go) are a blast and much fun was had by all. The rest of the weekend features the Highland Games (great fun to watch, and the kids can even try the events!), lots of music and Celtic dance, Scottish meat pies, more good beer, bouncy castles...a great way to spend weekend days on a weekend that always seems to be packed with fun events. Slainte!

This was a fun ethnic festival and I'm not Scottish! It was held 11/2, 3, 4/12 this year. Check the internet for next year's dates.Friday evening was the informal opening with a torchlight ceremony. Saturday was the opening Ceremony at 12:00.There was much of everything - Contests such as Caber Toss, Hammer Throw, Stones, Sheaf etc All Day, both Saturday and Sunday.. Music was continuous with the various Pipe Bands and Pipe and Drum groups competing against each other. A Border Collie demonstration. Rugby Matches, Irish and Scottish Dancing and Competition as well, Kilts and Tartans, a dart Tournament, story telling and a Scottish music stage. Did I mention the Bagpipes? Love them or hate them, they were there.There were some of the tradional foods you find at all social events like this. I was interested in the spicy meat pies and the individual shepherds pie. ( which I enjoyed). As for beverages, there were standard drinks but also fresh Guinness poured properly. For those who preferred Whiskey, that was available as was a Whiskey Tasting

when we got to the gate we had pre-purchased tickets the were only two lines one for cash one for card. thinking we didn't need to buy tickets since we already had them we walked around the gate and were promptly yelled at by the rude ticket lady. we went back and stood in the line. and when we got to the front window we were told to walk around the turnstiles not through them. we went to walk around the turnstiles like we were told to and the same rude ticket lady came over and started shouting "what the hell are you people doing". even though she had literally just told us to walk around the turnstile. when we finally got in we were greeted by a very dead empty atmosphere and more rude staff. all in all I will not be going back.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the festival. Watching the athletes was really interesting. Some amazing athleticism! The log throwing was definitely my favorites, however watching the pitchfork throwing was also pretty entertaining. Plenty of food options. I tried the mini donuts with cinnamon and sugar which were fabulous! And the prices were actually really reasonable. I would say this was definitely fun for everyone of all ages!