Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 4th annual Ormond Beach (Florida) Celtic Festival. The event was in Ormond Beach (a thin hair north of Daytona Beach) and was held in a park right on the Intercoastal Waterway. Even though it was warm, the breeze was WONDERFUL and there was ample shade to rest in. Given the date, we were worried about the Florida sun. The date closes out this celtic festival season and truthfully, it is about as late in the spring as one could be and still hope to pull off an event like this.
The event ran $5 per person 12 and over (kids free) and was worth that price. Vendors were a little on the thin side but what was there seemed to have a nice cross-section of stuff you would find at a much larger event. There were sporting competitions on at least 2 fields and it all appeared to be well organized. The event was small, but having attended the central Florida festival for a number of years, the chance to attend an event where it wasn't all elbows and heels was very welcome.
The main focus was the music. They had only 1 pipe band (Rosy O'Grady's Highlanders) and they are always a pleasure to listen to. There were 15+ bands or musical performers there and three dance companies/schools for highland dance. The jam tent was very full and honestly I think the turnout was more than the organizers expected. I spoke to a number of musicians carrying in instruments who came just for that one tent. In fact, the seating for the stages was a little on the sparse side. Next year, I hope the organizers rearrange things to provide ample room for the audiences that showed up. The list of clans was a disappointment and the field set aside for clans had open space. The event organizers make no bones about it, they are seeking to grow and if they can retain much of their current formula, that will happen.
Result:
.....Not Recommended
.....If you have nothing better to do
.....Not a bad way to spend a few hours - Decent event
..Solid Recommendation
.....Do not miss
Originally Posted by Madpiper65
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