By Jennifer Mustoe
Last year, my family and I went to Payson Scottish Festival, and what a wild and enjoyable ride it is. Scotland is the name of the game and fun and history and music is its fame.
First we went to Kids Games that will take place from 9AM – 2PM Saturday on Library Square on 200 South behind the Food Vendors.
We have a great “Highland Games: Featherweight Division” where traditional events are tailored for the kid’s smaller size.
Activities occur Saturday and consist of mini-athletic events, games, face painting, storytelling, and sword dancing.
Children 12 and younger are invited to compete in the children’s Highland Games. Children athletes can try their hand at the weight toss, sheaf toss, caber toss and sword duels. We also have a playground and sandbox area for the kids!
Our kids LOVED this!
Tonight is 6:00 PM Piobaireachd / Bagpiping Solo Competition. If you love the sound of the bagpipes, (who doesn’t?) will entertain the crowd, and in the Bandstand is more music played by the Payson High School Band. I’ve seen this band play in local parades, and they are impressive. The rest of the schedule is:
6:45 PM Bonnie Knees Contest (anyone in a kilt can enter)–don those kilts you Scottish folks and Scottish fans.
7:00 PM An Dragan Ceil teach Irish Dance
8:00 PM Men of Worth
An entertaining line up to ramp up the Festival
On Saturday, get ready to see:
9:45 AM Clan & Bagpipe Band Parade on Main Street followed by Opening Ceremonies on the Parkview Elementary School Playing Fields (300 S) at 10:00 AM
Also, 9:00 AM Harp Irish Dancers, 10:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 11:00 AM Men of Worth, 12:00 PM Callanish, 1:00 PM TBA, 2:00 PM Men of Worth, 3:00 PM Callanish, 4:00 PM Fiddler’s Rally, and 5:00 PM Men of Worth.
HIghland Dance 9:00 AM-2 PM 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Competitions in Parkview Elementary School Auditorium
Piping and Drumming Field 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Competitions
Closing Ceremonies on the Parkview Elementary School Playing Fields.
There are many other things to see as you travel to the music and competitions. Food, lovely crafts and food are featured. It’s magical.
The music at the bandstand was a favorite for us all as bands play lilting songs and songs to get up and dance. This area is covered with shading and has rows and rows of chairs. We sat at the end of a row because we knew the kids (and us grownups) couldn’t resist dancing to the fun tunes.
And prepare to see St Nick for Christmas in July!
There are so many activities and you will have a full day of Scotland right in Payson.
A few things to help you enjoy this wonderful festival:
Bring water.
Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and put on sunscreen.
Don’t bring a stroller if at all possible. There are a lot of people.
The lines are long for food and some of it is hamburgers, so you may want to bring your own lunch and snacks. But do try the Welsh Cakes.
Get ready to kick up your heels at The Payson Scottish Festival and have a thrilling time like no other!
Payson Memorial Park, 250 S Main St, Payson, UT 84651
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