The southernmost Celtic festival on the U.S. continent will be held at Marathon Community Park January 7-9, 2022 (Friday-Sunday), in the heart of the Florida Keys. Attendance has more than doubled since the festival’s inception and the organizers are excited to accommodate even larger crowds.
The festival begins Friday evening with a “Kilts in the Keys Party” at The Dockside, Boot Key Harbor. Musical group West of Galway entertains from 5pm-7pm with a guest appearance by Police Pipe and Drums of Florida. There will be door prizes and raffles, plus plentiful ale, spirits and other refreshments.
Something for everyone
The main event takes place at Marathon Community Park. Saturday times are 10am – 8pm, Sunday times are 11am – 5pm. Festivities include musical performances from world-renowned musical groups Albannach, Screaming Orphans, West of Galway, and Byrne Brothers. An international contingent, the “Ladies of the Keys Celtic Festival”, will compete in sanctioned Highlands athletics, while the Official Florida Keys Haggis Hurling Championship will be open to all. Also returning will be a sheep herding demonstration.
Police Pipe and Drum of Florida will be joined by Blue Skye Pipe & Drums, the world’s only all-female pipe band. Other features include Irish and Scottish dancing, authentic Celtic food, beer, vendors, parade, a Clan Call, Irish Tea Garden, Children’s Glen, “for the wee ones”, and Celtic merchandise. Organizers promise that there is literally “something for everyone”.
Sunday morning at 10am Church service on the festival grounds led by Rev. Debra McConaughey St. Columba Episcopal Church produces the Florida Keys Celtic Festival in cooperation with Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and Florida based entertainer producer Celtic Heritage LLC. Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a two-day pass, children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at www.KeysTix.com.
Tickets may also be purchased at St. Columba Episcopal Church, through website www.floridakeyscelticfestival.com or by calling 305-743-6412. Proceeds for the event support the Hammock House, an outreach of St. Columba Episcopal Church, featuring free after-school programs and summer camps, providing continuing education and nutrition.
For further information please go to www.FloridaKeysCelticFestival.com, follow Florida Keys Celtic Festival on Facebook, e-mail [email protected] or phone 305-743-6412.
Main photo: Albannach.