The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival Begins in Estes Park

Do you have Irish or Scottish roots? Bring the clan to the festival at Estes Park this weekend.

The largest Celtic festival in North America gets underway Thursday, September 8, at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds. The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival starts with Tattoo Estes 2011 at 7:30 p.m. (a Tattoo is an evening drum, bugle or pipe signaling soldiers to their quarters). A Tattoo will also be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights featuring a variety of Celtic bands and entertainers.

The Stanley Park Festival Field is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Events include Dogs of the British Isles, Highland and Irish Dance, Strongman contest and Jousting Competitions.

The festival includes a variety of food vendors, selling traditional Scottish dishes like Haggis and other more conventional items. Merchants and crafters will also be offering Scottish and Irish imported and themed merchandise.

On Saturday morning, September 10, the largest Celtic parade in North America marches down Elkhorn Avenue in downtown Estes Park. It features lots of bagpipers, drummers and dancers.

For a complete schedule of events and more information, log on to www.scotfest.com