Scottish Tartan Festival celebrates kilts, bagpipes, cultural heritage in Minden
Let the bagpipes play and don the kilts. The Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands is about to "gie it laldy" (Scottish for, "to do something with lots of gusto") during the 22nd annual Scottish Tartan Festival this weekend in Minden.
Festivities include the sports of the Highland Games, the haggis-eating contest and the Bonniest Knees contest. There will be bagpipe music, traditional Celtic music, bluegrass and Celtic Rock performed on the two stages during the festival,
“An exciting addition to this year’s music line-up is internationally acclaimed musician, native New Yorker, Ally the Piper,” said co-chairman Shelia Hoh.
There will be two dog shows, one for Scottish breeds and another for non-Scottish breeds. Vendors will sell Scottish wares, including kilts and jewelry, and there will be demonstrations by blacksmiths.
“The thing I love most about the festival is the way we are helping people learn about the Scottish culture and tradition,” Hoh said. “So many people in this region are descended from Scottish ancestors, and they just don’t know much about that heritage. It's fun to see them get excited when they find out which tartan represents their family.”
The event kicks off Thursday night with a Give Back for Good Night co-hosted by the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands and Great Raft Brewery, which will donate $1 to the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands for every pint sold during the event. Dripp Hot Chicken will be on site with Nashville-style chicken sandwiches, wings, fries and more.
“People should come to the Scottish Tartan Festival because it is so much fun," Hoh said. "There is something for everyone.”
The festival starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Miller Quarters, 198 Gleason in Minden.
For more information, visit the website or the Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: 22nd annual Scottish Tartan Festival celebrates culture in Minden
