By Noelle Lambert
For the 35th time, Payson hosts the Payson Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Visitors from all surrounding cities gather at this event to channel their inner-Scottish pride—whether they have Scottish blood in them or not. From the Welsh baked goods to colorful kilts, this festival has it all—there are even vendors doing caricature drawings and temporary tattoos. Of course, the Scottish ambience would not be complete without the Highland Games.
Highland Games are traditional war games that were created to find superior warriors in each Scottish family clan. The first Games took place in Scotland in the 11th Century. After the English defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie, the games were banned due to the Act of Proscription, causing a massive dent in the Highland culture; however, the Proscription was repealed later in the 18th Century and the regathering of the Games eventually lead to how it is done today. The first Games in the United States were held in New York in the mid 1800’s.
At the Payson Scottish Festival, numerous people come to participate and compete in the Highland Games and festivities. Examples of the Games include: the caber toss, the stone put, hammer throw, and more. Highland Dancing as well as bagpipe playing are another main attraction at the festivities; crowds of families and visitors gather to watch and support the performers. Harp Irish Dance Company, one of the featured companies performing at the festival, enchants the spectators with their dancing. The Fire band also performs several times throughout the day, energizing the crowds with their Scottish music and playing instruments such as the fiddle, the guitar, and the bouzouki.
From the moment I exited my car and began walking up Main Street, I could hear the enchanting tunes of bagpipes alerting all to the city’s festivities. The flag of Scotland hung on street poles, evoking Scottish honor. From admiring Gaelic jewelry to tasting homemade ginger beer, I was in love with this festival. Countless vendors filled the park with diverse options of clothing or food, and I couldn’t help it: my resolve to travel someday to Scotland increased tremendously. However, who needs to go to Scotland when Payson gives you such a superb taste?
The location for this event is exceptional. Most people chose to park farther away and walk a few blocks to reach the park, but the distance is bearable. There are drinking fountains in the park so ou don’t have to spend money on water if you prefer to be thrifty, but there are other pricier but delicious beverage options, too. The event is dog-friendly (as long as your dog is on a leash) and especially family friendly—there is a large playground for energetic children to stay entertained, if necessary. The event began Friday night and concludes on Saturday, but it is definitely a unique opportunity to travel to Scotland without getting on an airplane.
Payson presents Payson Scottish Festival
Payson Memorial Park, 300 S. Main Street, Payson UT 84651
July 12- 13, 2019 Friday 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Saturday 9 AM – 7:00 PM.
Tickets: Free
Payson Scottish Festival
Payson Scottish Festival Facebook
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