Coming next month is the 2nd annual Holland Celtic Festival. The festival was conceived by Craig Rich and Peter Grimm, along with a group of friends, who formed the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Holland Celtic Society. Highlights for this year’s event include: Friday Evening’s Cèilidh (Kay’-Lee) is a “21 & over” party in a huge “Irish Pub Tent” ($20 cover charge (tickets in advance). This features two bands: The Conklin Ceili Band and Detroit’s own Wakefire! Gates open at 6:00 PM. Music at 7:00. Close at 11:00 PM.
Saturday’s family-friendly festival is $10 admission, with children 12 and under FREE. Also free to those with their Friday evening wristband. Gates open at 9:00 AM, music starts at 10:00 am. Close at 10:00 PM. The day features: Live music all day (10:00 AM to 9:30 PM) featuring eight performances by: Toby Bresnahan, Selkie, Mona Shores Fiddlers, Uneven Ground, Ironwood, Leprecons, CrossBow and Barley Saints. In addition, there will be five Scottish and Irish dance schools: Ardan Academy of Irish Dance, Auburn Glen School of Scottish Dance, McClintic School of Highland Dance, Michigan Irish Dance Academy and Scoil Rince Ní Bhraonáin.
Other highlights include: A full schedule of Highland Athletic Competition (caber tossing, heavy weight throwing for distance and height, hammer throwing, etc.) with 70 athletes in kilts! A Scottish Clan “village” featuring 20 Scottish Clans. Genealogy assistance in the Genealogy Tent, Celtic goods vendors and Celtic food booths, Hands-on Celtic Cricket (learn to play!), Beer, wine, seltzers, scotch & whiskey in the Irish Pub Tent, Pipe and Drum bands, a “Keltic Kids” area, Hugh Irwin, the Kilted Magician and Liam, the Extra Large Leprechaun.
The Holland Waterfront Celtic Festival & Highland Games takes place on June 23 & 24, 2023 at Ottawa County Fairgrounds, in Holland, MI (A new location due to road construction around our downtown site.). For more information please see: www.HollandCelticFestival.org
Main photo: The McClintic School of Scottish Dance.