Scottish Festival at Goshen Fairgrounds

The St. Andrew's Society of Connecticut will hold its 19th annual Scottish Festival on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Goshen Fairgrounds on Route 63 in Goshen.

Entertainment will be provided by singer Charlie Zahm, Celtic rock group Neil Anderson and Friends, fiddler Ronnie Stewart, harpist Kasha Breau and Friends, and storyteller Ellen Coutts Waff. The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote will hold an encampment circa 1700s.

Competitions will be held in solo bagpiping, highland dancing and invitational athletics for men and women. Children’s games will also be held. For the kilted man, a bonny knees competition will be held, with sign-up at the festival.

Clan representatives from the various Scottish clans will also be present. There will be cultural events such as weaving, sheepherding, genealogy and more. Merchant vendors and food vendors will also be present.

The event will be held rain or shine, as indoor facilities are available. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6-16) and seniors, under age 6 free. Proceeds from prior festivals have gone to charities both here and in Scotland such as AmeriCares, Children’s Hospice Appeal of Scotland and Connecticut Food Bank, as well as to the Society’s scholarship fund. For more info call 203-366-0777, or 860-651-9048; or visit <www.sasct.org>.

On Friday, October 4 a clan dinner will be held at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall in Torrington. Advanced reservations are required; for more info about the dinner, call 860-651-9048.