The Grand Valley Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is coming to Grand Junction in a few weeks. Here are five reasons why you should "get your highlander on" and participate.

A couple of fun-filled days and nights of games, music, food, and history are coming to the Mesa County Fairgrounds in May.

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A quick breakdown of the event.

The Grand Valley Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, presented by Taylor's Croft and Glenfinnan Highlanders, is a family event featuring:

  • Pipe bands
  • Heavy athletics
  • Highland dancing
  • Clans and Family heritage
  • Cooking demo
  • Whiskey tasting (seriously, that's what I was told... whiskey tasting)
  • Food vendors
  • Souvenir vendors

When is it?

The festivities are coming to Veterans Memorial Park at the Mesa County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16, 2021. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A quick heads up regarding some changes. You may have seen their event posters around town. Due to the pandemic, a few events have been canceled. Canceled appearances include:

  • Agility Dogs
  • LA Scots

Why should you set aside two days of your life to attend?

There are a number of fascinating things you can do on a Saturday and Sunday. Why take your family to this event? Well, after a little research, I came up with a number of solid reasons why you should attend the Scottish Games and Celtic Festival. Here are my top five, courtesy of seemonterey.com:

  •  Gaze in wonder at the amazing strength of both male and female athletes participating in the many athletic events
  • Trace your own family history and tartan in the Clan Village and visit with friendly Clan representatives
  • Prepare to be amazed by the sounds of award-winning bagpipe bands
  • Take in the amazing sights of the talented Highland dancers as they perform classic dances in gorgeous costumes.
  • Shop for unique Scottish, British and Irish crafts, jewelry, and clothing

 The party before the party.

Just like any event, there needs to be a kick-off party. On Friday, May 14, 2021, the night before the events, head to the Mesa Theater for the Ceilidh.

Okay, what's a "Ceilidh"? Until last Saturday I had never heard this term. The owner at Taylor's Croft described it as a Scottish and Irish party. Wikipedia defines it as "...a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit."

In this case, I believe the festivities go well beyond a "social visit." This Ceilidh consists of live shows at the Mesa Theater featuring the Young Dubliners and Wicked Tinkers. Tickets are available now at the Mesa Theater or at Taylor's Croft at 2478 Patterson Road in Grand Junction.

This sounds like a ton of fun. Between the concerts, athletic events, and the history, you're bound to find something your whole bunch will enjoy. Get more details at grandvalleyhighlandgames.com.

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