Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds June 23 & 24, 2023
Established in 1977, the long standing Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is presented by members of The Ohio Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of their proud Scottish Heritage and ancestry.
The Ohio Scottish Games highlight the traditional dance, music and athletics of the ancient highland games. This event is for the enjoyment of all Scots and friends as well as to introduce the Scottish Arts and traditions to the community. The Ohio Scottish Games runs under The Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, Inc. (SACSO).
One of the things that makes this event stand out from so many festivals is the variety of activities attendees can participate in and/or observe. There is literally something for everyone.
We broke down our coverage as follows. Just click on a link to visit that section and see lots of videos and photos.
See the Brady-Campbell School of Irish Dance, Royal Scottish Country Dance Group, The Kilroys, The Prodigals, the Scottish Harp Competition, a collection of acoustic Celtic instruments from Steeltown Acoustic Instruments Experience and more.
The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade was one of the best parades we have seen in a long time. It featured lots of bagpipe units, many Clans in their namesake tartans, Irish wolfhounds, Knights in armor, Clydesdale horses and even a flock of sheep being pursued by a border collie. Lots of photos at the link but watch the video (below).
The Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival had a variety of unique, interesting and fun activities. One popular event was the Heavy Athletic Competitions including the Sheaf Toss which we cover here. We also spoke with a Blacksmith, watched Medieval Style Combat and more.
There were many information and resource exhibits at the Festival including two historic Scottish organizations and one representing the Isle of Man.
The Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO) has been preserving and promoting Scottish Heritage & Traditions since 1885. They have a variety of activities and programs including an annual celebration of the birth of Robert Burns.
In addition, the Scottish Cultural Garden was at the Festival as well. Representatives are from the main Scottish heritage groups in North East Ohio, along with senior members of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Foundation. The group is working with landscape architect James McKnight to develop a garden plan that features plants native to Scotland.
Alex Murray, Bill Kennedy and Bob Crawford
There were many more activities and things to see and we didn't even touch on the food and drink! The 2023 Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival was a grand success and a lot of fun.
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