Red, White and Tartan - The San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival

A long way from the Highlands of Scotland and just over a two hour drive to the Mexican border, is San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas. San Antonio is home to the iconic Alamo and the charming Spanish Colonial “River Walk” and this year is host to an event sponsored by the San Antonio Highland Games Association: The 15th Anniversary San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music festival scheduled to be held  on April 5^th and 6^th , 2014 at the Helotes Fair Grounds just northwest of San Antonio, Texas.   

One of the major Texas Celtic Festivals, a spokesman for the San Antonio Highland Games contacted by Transceltic stated that an estimated 10,000 attendees are expected at the 2014 event.

The Festival boasts Highland Games conducted by the rules set by the Scottish Heavy Athletics Association and the athletics competition includes over 60 competitors, both men and women, coming from as far away as Germany. The Highland Dance competition is sanctioned by the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing and presents 84 registered participants from Texas, Kansas City and Minnesota.  The solo piping competition is sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) and includes approximately 15 competitors piping in 17 events.

The internationally renowned Celtic rock band Celtica, headlines this years entertainment.  Also performing are the Texas-based band Trinity River Whalers who describe themselves as “Celtic with a Texas Twist”, Michael William Harrison, The Tennessee Valley Authority Bluegrass Band, Abbey Green playing the Irish Cittern, the bands Ravenmoor and Boru, and the Dram Beauties singing traditional Celtic songs. The San Antonio Pipes and Drums will also perform.

Also included over the two days are Celtic cooking demonstrations and, what seems to have become obligatory at North American Celtic festivals, ten competitors participating in the “The 3^rd Annual Haggis Eating Contest”.  A  “Clan Village” typical of North American Festivals, includes various clan organizations set up with information booths.  In addition the Festival includes Celtic Arts & Crafts vendors and a sheep herding competition.

April 5, 2014: 9am-7pm  and April 6, 2014: 11am-6pm

Adults: $11 and Seniors, Military, Children (12 and under): $6

Free Parking at the Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Road, Helotes, TX 78023

For more information on the San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival, please see the link below:

www.sahga.org