Celtic Festival in Southern Maryland?

**tkdog** · 4th March 11, 02:13 PM

I'm actually in Hollywood, MD, but it's close enough to take advantage of the name. If the Rabble thinks Hollywood is a weird name for a town in Maryland...we're just north of California, MD

**Madadh** · 4th March 11, 03:40 PM

I will be there if weather permits. I should not be hard to fine, just look for a kilted guy with two Irish Wolfhounds.

**O'Callaghan** · 5th March 11, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by Madadh

I will be there if weather permits. I should not be hard to fine, just look for a kilted guy with two Irish Wolfhounds.

There'll be a lot of kilted guys, but the wolfhounds are distinctive!

**Brian Boru** · 8th April 11, 09:37 AM

I'll be there with a friend of mine. This will be my first time there. Nate has a Thompson Camle, and I may be wearing a Wallace, but no matter what kilt I wear, I will have my dandelion sprig on, so if you see me please come up and introduce yourself. I'm looking forward to a good time.

Cheers to all,

Brian

**Sealark** · 13th April 11, 10:27 AM

This sounds like a good outing for the day, my youngest son and I will be there, this will give me a reason to buy him his own kilt. I have enough dandelions in my yard already, I'll pick one up for the event. Look for the overly tall guys, 6'6" me and 6'4" son. We're not too hard to miss, will be by the athletics for awhile, my boy is interested in the games. He's built for it. See everyone there.

**Dave G** · 15th April 11, 05:17 AM

I was going to purchase my tickets for the festival this morning, but I noticed that the on-line ticket form included the restriction "No Pets".

The festival website includes the statement that "While the park will allow pets, it would be less stressful for them if you left your furry friends at home." Sounds like they don't really want pets there.

So which is it...are pets allowed or not. I e-mailed this question to the festival e-mail address and I'll post their response when I get it.

**tkdog** · 15th April 11, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by Dave G

I was going to purchase my tickets for the festival this morning, but I noticed that the on-line ticket form included the restriction "No Pets".

The festival website includes the statement that "While the park will allow pets, it would be less stressful for them if you left your furry friends at home." Sounds like they don't really want pets there.

So which is it...are pets allowed or not. I e-mailed this question to the festival e-mail address and I'll post their response when I get it.

I've been to the festival for years now and seem to remember <large grain of salt here>, I've always seen plenty of dogs.

**Dave G** · 15th April 11, 11:03 AM

I received a reply from the Celtic Society of So. MD pertaining to pets at the festival. I'm seriously considering just writing this event off since it doesn't appear to be very pet friendly. The Highland games and festivals in Virginia and Pennsylvania all accept pets, and most even encourage folks to bring their pets, especially if they're of a Celtic breed. I don't understand the "anti-pet" attitude.

The CSSM e-mail read as follows...

"JPPM permit dogs on leash and under control of the owner. CSSM, Inc. prefers that pet owners make other arrangements for their pets on Festival Day for the following reasons: There will be roughly 10,000 people in the park on that day , distracted by all there is to see and do and not always watching where they go or paying attention to their small children. There will be constant bagpipe music. This can be stressful for dogs used to a more quiet calm atmosphere. In the past we have had dogs on leash bite other adults, get into fights with other dogs on leash, get loose and be roaming the park from 3 days to over a week. If it is hot and your dog is left in the car, we may have to bring animal control in should we not be able to locate you. We have had to do that too. There is not a lot of shade available on a hot day also. LWhile you may enjoy the day, your pt might be miserable, therefore we would ask that you not bring your pet. We do have on occasion some pet rescue groups as part of the Clans and Societies
and those persons have to produce lkiability insurance certificates. Should you bring your pet, you must assume all responsibility. CSSM cannot be responsible.

**tkdog** · 15th April 11, 02:59 PM

I don't know what to say. I know one of the CSSM officers, and will voice your dismay. I wonder if they are getting pressure from local animal control and/or the Calvert County Sheriff's Office (who provide security).

**tripleblessed** · 15th April 11, 04:40 PM

As someone who used to choose my activities with an eye to being accompanied by a wonderful Borzoi, I empathize. Bear in mind, though,
that many people are not objective when it comes to how well-behaved
their children and/or pets are. I have seen someone effusively claiming,
"Oh, he won't bite, he never bites, and he just lloooves children" as their
little darling is taking some poor kids fingers off.

My Leo was almost never on a leash, and fine. Sudden noises could,
however, set him flying, and a hundred pounds of very strong dog in a panic can do a lot of damage. I chose carefully, was ready to dive for him in an
eyeblink, and regretfully left him home if it might a long day with little shade.

You know your habits and your dogs' tolerance. They don't, and are merely suggesting people err on the side of prudence.