Pipe band competition, herding highlight Northwest Celtic Fest
A pipe band competition, live music and a Scotch and beer tasting highlight this year's third annual Northwest Celtic Fest, a celebration of Celtic heritage Saturday, March 22, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
The event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also features Celtic vendors and crafts, an indoor soccer tournament, Celtic cuisine, free games for children and dance performances. Parking and entry are free, making this an affordable event for the whole family.
"This event appeals to a wide range of guests thanks to the wonderful array of family-friendly activities," Hoffman Estates Mayor William D. McLeod said. "Last year's Celtic Fest was a great success, and we hope to build on its success with an even better festival."
The word "Celtic" is often used to describe people of Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales, as well as their respective cultures and languages.
The popular pipe bands are back, but with a competitive twist this year, as they will performing for the coveted "Mayor's Trophy."
The Midwest Pipe Band Association will provide the structure and judges for the afternoon event. All the bands will take the field at the end of the day for the awards and closing ceremony.
"This is shaping up to be one exciting event," said Jim Sim, president of the Midwest Pipe Band Association.
The concourse stage also will be back with live music as well as some of the area's most talented Scottish and Irish dancers. Event organizers are pleased to welcome back the Hoffman United Soccer Club for the indoor soccer tournament.
There will be some new events to go along with favorites from previous years.
"We've made several changes to the festival for 2014, including a herding demonstration that highlights the characteristics of Celtic dog breeds," said Celtic Fest Commission Chairwoman Anita Forte-Scott. "We are also expanding our marketplace with new vendors to add to the celebration."
The Sears Centre is at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway in the "Poplar Creek at 59/90" Entertainment District in western Hoffman Estates. For a complete schedule of events and the latest festival updates, visit www.hoffmanestates.org/celtic, or call (847) 781-2606.