If it's not Scottish, it's ... not at this fest
Just in case traditional music, exotic cars, sports, shopping and ethnic food weren't enough of a draw, organizers of the annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games are adding even more events to help visitors connect with their inner Scot.
The two-day fest, which begins Friday at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds, features scores of attractions you would expect from any self-respecting Scottish celebration, like Highland dance contests and bagpipe performances. But it also includes other nods to Scottish tradition, like a haggis hurling contest and a sheep herding demonstration, that give the fest a quirky feel.
The goal is to truly offer all-things-Scottish so everyone in the crowd - whether Scottish by blood or not - will discover something to celebrate.
"We want to appeal to those people who have some interest, affinity or inclination toward Scotland," said Gus Noble, president and CEO of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, which organizes the fest. "No matter what your age or heritage, you're welcome to come and celebrate Scottish identity for at least one day of the year."
After successfully adding a haggis eating contest last year, which challenges contestants to devour the traditional Scottish dish, organizers continued their expansion this year by adding whiskey tasting seminars, a youth soccer tournament, a kilted run/walk and a dogs of Scotland tent.
The motive behind adding the physical activities, Noble said, is to make the fest more interactive for up to 15,000 visitors expected this year.
"We noticed that several other festivals had participatory elements where visitors could take part in a key feature, yet we can't have the general public participating in the heavy athletics because it's quite dangerous and you have to be very, very strong and experienced," Noble said. "So we wanted something that made them feel part of things and very, very Scottish."
That's one reason the mile run/walk encourages children and adults to wear their kilts. And if they don't have their own, they can create one at the fest.
The interactive vibe continues with whiskey tastings, which are actually revived from festivals several years ago. This year's tastings and seminars are more expanded than their predecessors and cost an additional fee. Noble says past tastings have focused on one type of whiskey, while this weekend's seminars will help aficionados find their signature drink.
"You can travel across Scotland, so to speak, and see if you like highland versus lowland or see how the drink changes with the influence of peat, sea water and altitude," Noble said. "It's a very personal thing and what one person may think is the most delicious and wonderful drink, another may feel like its an insult to their taste buds."
Proceeds from admission will do more than keep the fest alive for years to come. It will also benefit charitable efforts of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, which is a not-for-profit organization. Started in 1845 by young Scottish immigrants, today the society supports elder care services at its Scottish Home in North Riverside. Proceeds will also benefit the society's fine art and scholarship programs.
Scottish Festival and Highland Games
The festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 31st Street and Polo Drive, Oak Brook. Includes Heavy Athletics U.S. Championship, Highland dancing, Celtic music, food, contests, whiskey tastings and crowning of the 2008 Heather Queen and Court. Admission is $8, $3 for children $18 for a weekend pass and $70 for a patron weekend pass on Friday. On Saturday, admission is $13, $6 for children and $55 for a patron ticket, Parking is $5 per car on Saturday and available at the Polo Grounds and remote lots with free shuttle service. Call (708) 447-5092 or visit www.chicago-scots.org
FRIDAY
4 to 8 p.m. Heavy athletics Friday night fling
4:30 p.m. Highland Dance Competition
5 and 6:30 p.m. General And Master Whisky Classes
6 to 10 p.m. Celtic rock on the Entertainment Stage
7 to 10 p.m. Ceilidh, a celebration of contemporary music and dance
7:15 p.m. Crowning of the 2008 Heather Queen and Court
SATURDAY
7:30 a.m. Kilted mile run/walk
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Soccer 5 v 5 youth tournament
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highland dance competition
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Piping and drumming competition
9 a.m. Heavy athletics U.S. championship
10:30 a.m. Celtic rock on the Entertainment Stage
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dogs of Scotland
11 a.m. and 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5 and 7 p.m. General and master whiskey classes
12:30-12:50 p.m. Parade of Tartans
1-1:30 p.m. Sheep herding demonstration
6 p.m. Closing ceremonies and massed bands