Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1st & 2nd) will again see the Scots, Irish and Appalachian folk gather in Ringgold for a weekend of fun and games.
According to Michael Whitfield, president of Appalachian Celtic Connection, the added attraction of Scottish Highland Games was such a hit that they will be brought back again this year.
The Celtic band Highland Reign will be headlining the event again this year, said Richard L. Ball festival board member. He added that also scheduled is the Irish band Ballybeg from Athens, GA; as well as a local bluegrass band.
Other entertainment will include Pipe Bands, Children’s Games and 6String Sugga Daddy, a classic rock county band.
Rob Hatch, athletic director for the festival, said he is excited about being a part of the Appalachian/Celtic festival again this year.
Highland Games feature events such as the Caber Toss, Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss and more.
Hatch said this would be the third year that Scottish Highland Games are held in this area and that he is looking forward to a long and fruitful alliance with the directors of the Appalachian/Celtic Festival and the City of Ringgold.
This year, according to Hatch, the Highland Games will also feature competition by Female Athletes competing in the events. He said some of these female athletes would be coming from Florida as well as local athletes.
Christina Ball, vendor and Scottish clan tent coordinator, said she already has several vendors scheduled for the festival such as celtic jewelry, celtic ironwork, medieval clothing, Appalachian pottery, and woodcarving.
Food vendors, said Ms. Ball, will include Scottish, Appalachian and American with more food vendors to be determined.
Hours for the festival are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission each day is $5 for adults; $3 for children age 6 - 12 and under age six will be admitted free.
A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to a local charitable organization.
For more information, visit the festival’s website at http://www.appalaciancelticconnection.org
Email may also be sent to: rball0351@gmail.com.