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Madog Center for Welsh Studies
Celtic
Festival 2004,
Admission: Adult - $6.00 Children under 12 - $4.00 Children under 2 years old - Free For more information: 740-245-7186
Some pictures of the 2003 Celtic Festival On June 7 and 8, the Tri Valley Celtic Society, with the University of Rio Grande and the Madog Center for Welsh Studies, hosted the annual Celtic Festival on the URG athletic fields. Despite the rain and ultimately the mud that followed, visitors came from all over the region. "It was one of the best turnouts ever," Kara Lewis, Director of the Madog Center and Tri Valley Celtic Society Member, said. Visitors waded through mud most of Saturday and Sunday, but they were rewarded with a variety of entertainers this year. Performers included John Sherman, a Celtic guitarist, Bobby Murray, and Bob Ford, a story teller and musical entertainer, as well as groups such as the Gospel Bluegrass Boys, the Banks of Ohio Dulcimer Group, Capital City Pipes and Drums, Wiley Dew, and Silent Lion. The Rock 'n Country Cloggers, International Folklander, and the Welsh Country Dancers also engaged visitors in the main tent for dance workshops and demonstrations. The Welsh Sheep Dogs were a big hit again this year, too! Visitors participated in a Welsh Sing and a genealogy workshop hosted by Marjorie Wood of the Gallia County Historical Society. "Although the workshop was primarily for children, the adults expressed so much interest that next year we will host a workshop fort them as well," Ms. Lewis said. Approximately ten Scottish clans were on hand at the festival to provide visitors with information about family history, tartans, and origins of names. Saturday evening, the Ceilidh was held in Conference Room C in the Cafeteria. A wide variety of refreshments were prepared and served by the Leach family, members of the Tri-Valley Celtic Society, and founders of the Celtic Festival. Entertainers on hand were Bobby Murray, John Sherman, the Gospel Bluegrass Boys, Wiley Dew, and the two winners (Brandi and Elise) of the Jackson High School Eisteddfod who performed "Danny Boy". A Welsh Cake Competition was held on Sunday afternoon. Ms. Lewis and Ken Thorne, the Welsh paper Ninnau food editor, served as judges, and Mrs. Mildred Bangert was selected as the winner this year. Highland Games were held on both Saturday and Sunday for children and adults. Ms. Lewis participated in the Ladies' Wellie Toss this year, but unfortunately, she was a runner up. The winners of the Wellie Toss threw the wellie thirty-four, thirty-two, and thirty feet respectively. Also, the Bonniest Knees Contest was held on Sunday afternoon, providing spectators with a dash of humor during the festival. Overall, the annual Celtic Festival was an enormous success thanks to those who participated as vendors, entertainers, volunteers, and sponsors. More importantly, it would not have been possible without the many visitors who came despite the dreary (and truly Celtic) weather. Thanks to you all! We hope to see you next year!
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Madog Center for Welsh Studies Phone number: (740) 245-7186 |
