The largest SCOTTISH CULTURAL ORGANIZATION IN NORTH AMERICA, the
CHICAGO SCOTS present the 2018 SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
(Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, 2018).
EVERYONE IS SCOTTISH (FOR AT LEAST ONE DAY) – This is
family-friendly, two-day festival will attract 10,000-15,000
attendees. Whether you are Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by
inclination, everyone is welcome.
The Festival features an huge variety of activities and attractions
– from the iconic caber toss to the largest bagpiping and drumming
championship in the United States (!!!!), from whisky tasting and
Celtic rock music to highland dance and children’s activities, from
rugby and mini-golf and to a classic British car show and Scottish
genealogy, from the dogs of Scotland and a Scottish petting zoo to a
Celtic market where you can buy everything Scottish….kilts, candy,
jewelry, soccer jerseys and, of course, haggis!
“It is impossible NOT to have fun at the Scottish Festival,” said
Gus Noble, President of the CHICAGO SCOTS. “The event puts smiles on
faces and warmth in hearts. We are excited to host our flagship event
in Aye-tasca, Illinois!”
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE - All of the proceeds from this Festival benefit
the oldest 501(c)3 charity in Illinois, which was established in 1845:
the Scottish Home and Caledonian House – now collectively known as
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. For generations, families have
turned to Caledonia Senior Living for exceptional elder care. Services
include: Assisted Living, Specialized Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and
Respite Care. Conveniently located in a beautiful forest preserve,
just a few miles west of downtown Chicago, Caledonia Senior Living is
a community where friends become family. Trusted for more than 100
years.
Festival attendees will experience Scotland’s rich heritage and
unique traditions. Over the past 32 years, the annual celebration has
featured all Grades of pipe bands, crowned many beautiful Heather
Queens, and displayed the talents of many exceptionally skilled dogs
of Scotland. Of course, no Scottish Festival would be complete without
the famous Haggis Hurling Contest and Haggis Eating Contest, only the
brave will enter. Many men have bared their knees in the annual Men in
Kilts contest and all levels of Highland Dancers have shown off their
best moves. Over 500 participants throughout the years have put their
creativity and taste buds to the ultimate test by joining the
Shortbread Contest, and many whiskies, from the well-known, iconic
brands to wee boutique distilleries, have been tasted.
Be a part of the action this year as the festival launches Friday,
June 15 with exhibits and vendors open from 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Highlights include the ever-popular Heavy Athletics Exhibition, the
Glengarry Bhoys as the Friday night headliner on the Celtic Rock
stage, Whisky VIP Master Class, Solo Pipe Band Competition, an
action-packed kid’s area with mini-golf, balloons, tattoos and mini
athletics, and the Heather Queen competition, crowning the 2018 Queen
and Court.
The fun continues on Saturday, June 16 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Guests will be able to enjoy the thrilling Heavy Athletics including
the caber toss (with participants flipping a 20-foot, 140-pound tree
trunk end-over-end), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (where,
armed with a pitchfork, athletes launch a bale of hay over a high
bar) and the Clachnert (flinging a 16-pound river stone); lively
Mid-West Pipe Band Championship competition, the largest pipe band
competition in the United States with over 40 pipe bands and 350 solo
performances of pipers and drummers; Highland Dance competition; and
an intense Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge. The Dogs of Scotland and
Highland Cattle offer a chance to greet some of Scotland’s cutest
furry exports. Genealogy and cultural exhibits provide insight into
ancestry to kick start research on the family tree. A Parade of Clan
Tartans and attendee competitions British Car Show featuring vintage
automobiles, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Men in Kilts contest,
Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest are also perennial
favorites. And for the young Scots, the kid’s area and activities
run all day long. Whisky and Spirits tastings will be available for
adults. Dine on traditional Scottish or American cuisine and peruse
the Celtic Marketplace. The festivities conclude with the Closing
Ceremonies and Massed Bands Show, an exhilarating concert featuring up
to 1,000 bagpipers and drummers performing traditional musical
selections including Amazing Grace.
Celtic Rock Stage entertainment for this year includes high energy
Glengarry Boys, David Leask, and Chelsea House Orchestra.
Ticket prices for the 32nd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games
are as follows:
Friday-Children 12 and under are FREE; Adults are $12.00; Seniors
(60+) are $10.00
Saturday- Children under 3 are FREE; Children ages 3-12 $8.00; Adults
are $20.00; Seniors (60+) are $15.00
Two Day Pass - Children under 3 are FREE; Children ages 3-12 $8.00;
Adults are $30.00; Seniors (60+) are $25.00
Patron Weekend Pass (Family Friendly)- $360 This two-day pass includes
entry into the festival (for 2 adults & 2 children), premier seating
inside the Patron Tent, complimentary food and beverages, 12 drink
tickets (beer included), and parking passes for both days.
Patron Weekend Pass (21 & Over)- $180 This two-day pass includes entry
for one individual into the festival, premier seating inside the
Patron Tent, complimentary food and beverages, 6 drink tickets (beer
included), and parking passes for both days.
The festival is held at Hamilton Lakes, Itasca, Illinois, located at
I-290 and Thorndale Avenue. On site parking will be available. Parking
will be $5 per vehicle for parking on both Friday, June 15 and
Saturday, June 16 or guests may purchase a two-day parking pass for
$8. For more information, event schedules, competition registration
forms or to purchase tickets, visit www.scottishfestivalchicago.org or
call (708) 426-7149.
The CHICAGO SCOTS would like to thank the following corporate sponsors
and in-kind donors: Village of Itasca, Itasca Fire Department, Itasca
Police Department, Sage Age, Roscoe Company, The Ben Riach Single Malt
Scotch Whisky, The GlenDronach Distillery, Beam Suntory, Westin Hotels
& Resorts, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Place, and Hamilton Partners.
culture
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17/06/2018 Last update