OLCOTT
Celtic fest brings music, mirth to Lake Ontario shores
OLCOTT — Touting a lively 21 hours of Celtic entertainment, the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival and Highland Games are set for Saturday and Sunday in Krull Park on the shores of Lake Ontario.
The festival will feature a variety of live music, including pipe bands, ancient strongman competitions, artisans and merchants, numerous food vendors, a beer tent, Scottish and Irish dancers and more.
Festivities will run from 10 a. m. to 11 p. m. Saturday and 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Sunday.
The Saturday night “ceilidh” boasts area favorite Penny Whiskey and headliner Emish, a band that blends traditional Irish, classical, jazz, rock and punk influences and hails from the Hudson Valley. The ceilidh runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p. m. “It’s a big party. That’s what ‘ceilidh’ means,” explained Philip Banks, the festival director for the Niagara Celtic Heritage Society. “It’s a great time.”
Banks said he expects 6,000 to 8,000 people over the weekend, particularly if the weather is decent for the outdoor event.
“And remember, the weather at the beach is usually better, as a rule, so don’t judge the weather from wherever you’re coming from,” he said. “Check our Web site and we’ll have the latest weather reports.” The Web site is www.NiagaraCeltic.com . Most diehard festival-goers don’t even pay attention to inclement weather, Banks noted, adding, “If it’s miserable weather, well, that’s not unlike the British Isles. People learn to live with it. We’re right on the water, and if it’s windy and there’s a little drizzle — it’s just like the motherland.”
Look for six Celtic dance troupes performing throughout the weekend and six pipe-and-drum bands from as far as Lindsay, Ont.
“We’re stoked about having the Pipes and Drums from Lindsay because they pick one event each year to make a special trip to with their families and not only work, but enjoy themselves, as well,” Banks said. “They’re driving four hours from far north of Toronto to spend both days with us.”
The Main Stage musical lineup will include the Boughton Hill Band, Celtic Spirit Pipe Band, the Dustmen, Lochside Celtic and Poor Ould Goat . Merry Mischief will split its time between the Main Stage and the Celtic Arts Centre and Stage.
Also featured are Cairde, Hobson’s Choice, Kindred, Reardon and Garvey, Step in Time and Swallow Tail Trio. Other artists include storyteller Tim Daly and author Jeane Treat.
New this year are two baking contests — for Irish soda bread on Saturday and Scottish shortbread on Sunday. There’s also a “Best Legs in a Kilt” contest.
While there is plenty of free parking available at the festival site, a free shuttle is planned from the festival to the nearby Olcott Beach Carousel Park, Lakeview Village Shoppes, and a vintage car show to be held Saturday.
A Clan Row will feature the living history of the Scottish people, offering guests a chance to explore 10 different clans, as well as meet folks from the Rochester Scottish Heritage Society.
“We’re told by people that they like ours better than all of the other festivals,” said Rebecca Schweigert, a Niagara Celtic Heritage Society member and festival volunteer. “I think it’s because there’s so much diversity and it’s so family-oriented.”
Admission to the festival is $8 for adults (or $15 for two days), and children 12 and under are free.
