Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival, Estes Park Colorado

[Matty Ross]

Having only attended Scottish Games and festivals here in Utah, I felt the need to spread my wings and see what Colorado had to offer. So knowing I would be working in Western Colorado the week before the Long Peak Scottish festival, I made arrangements to extend my stay to attend the games. I rented a car on Friday night and drove to Denver. On Saturday morning I rose early and drove to Estes park. I arrived in Estes Park around 8 am and was absolutely amazed at how beautiful this small town is. Tucked in a narrow valley just outside Rocky Mountain National park I doubt anyone could find a nicer setting for a Scottish Festival.

This Venue touts the largest all Celtic parade in North America. Hey who doesn’t love a parade and they even let me march with my clan.

After the parade, I had breakfast in a nice little café on Main street, before walking the short distance to the fair grounds. This Festival was quite different than the others I had attended. All the vendors, Clans, and Entertainment was held inside some of the biggest tents I have ever seen. Like Circus tents.

Before long it was time for the Gathering of the clans and the Massed bands. So I had a second opportunity to walk with my Clans folk.

I was very impressed to see a notable number of my Fellow Boy Scout leaders marching with Clan Mac Laren. Many of them came to meet Donald MacLaren, The Chief of the Mac Laren Clan.

The Bands were exceptional, Including several local Pipe bands, one from Scotland and one from Bermuda

I greatly enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. Visiting the clan tents, the vendors and listening to Celtic music
Of course as always, I had to contend with all the beautiful ladies who just had to have their pictures with Santa

All in all It was a Fantastic weekend, the drive, the Festival and the opportunity to meet clan members and make new friends.
See you next year Colorado.

[Nile]

That's fantastic, Matty; wonderful pictures. I really appreciate that you shared them with us.

Nile

[GMan]

Sad to say I was unable to attend this year as I was out of town celebrating my sister and brother-in-laws 50th anniversary. But from all the reports I have gotten it was exceptional this year.

[Downunder Kilt]

Top photos Matty, great photo of Donald MacLaren, thanks for sharing the day with us. Cheers

[mookien]

Matty: Wow! Nice mug of beer. Thanks for posting all the pics. John

[hunterblawthyhorn]

Great pictures.

We made it for the Clan Douglas AGM Saturday evening and then went to the festival Sunday (our daughter dances with Celtic Steps and competed Sunday morning). Living outside of Denver ... Estes park is a favorite place to visit ... this was our first festival though. It was a blast. I thought it was very well run. The Irish Step Dance competition portion was also particularly well done. Our daughter who is 7 ... said it was her most fun yet and she has danced all over Colorado, Wyoming, Ohio and NJ .....

[Santa Kona]

Well done Matty