Experience the Sights and Sounds of Scottish History, Music, and Culture During the 54^th Annual Festival

Snowmass, Colo., (April 28, 2017) – The Colorado Scottish Festival returns to Snowmass, August 4-6, 2017. The two-day festival returns to Snowmass this summer with favorites including Highland dancers, great Highland athletes, the Renaissance Scot’s Village, Parade of Clans, Blessing of the Animals, and much more. The Colorado Scottish Festival is celebrating 54 years of Scottish culture and history this summer season.

The Colorado Scottish Festival kicks off on Friday, August 4^th, with a performance by Celtic rock group Ruaile Buaile, part of the Snowmass Summer Free Concert Series on Fanny Hill. Guests are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of Celtic rock, beginning at 6:00pm.

Saturday, August 5^th and Sunday, August 6^th include performances by Highland dancers and Irish step dancers; Celtic music; a Scottish vendor village; the Renaissance Scot’s Living History Village, complete with interactive craft activities; a genealogy area where guests can meet clan members and discover family history; and a MacKiddie children’s area. On both days, guests can watch the Great Highland Athletes test their strength by throwing stones and telephone poles.

Saturday afternoon brings the “Bonnie (Pretty) Knees” contest, one of the most popular events of the weekend, where a trio of ladies are selected to judge which kilted gentleman has the “best” knees. Saturday evening after the competition, features an outdoor Scottish Ceilidh (party), complete with bagpipes, fiddlers, Highland and Irish dancers, Celtic musicians, demonstrations of athletic strength, and sword-fighting by the Renaissance Scots’ defensive arm, the “Wolves of Dunvegan”. A special Hot Drumline performance followed by a Hot Piping Contest rounds out the evening.

At noon on both days, guests can experience the Parade of the Clans, where individual clans gather together. Massed pipes and drums lead the parade of the clans, followed by a Parade of the Dogs and the Blessing of the Animals. Saturday and Sunday also boast the ever-popular whisky tastings, a ticketed event featuring whiskies from around the world.

“The Colorado Scottish Festival is such a unique event,” says Rose Abello, Tourism Director, Snowmass Tourism. “Watching clans come together with guests to celebrate Scottish heritage, culture, and history, makes for an incredible summer weekend in Snowmass.”

The festival is free and both dog and kid-friendly. For the best of the Festival, join the Thistle Club and follow the Festival on Facebook. For more information on the festival and to book lodging rates & packages, visit www.ScottishGames.org or www.gosnowmass.com/event/colorado-scottish-festival/.

About Snowmass, Colorado – A vibrant summer playground and renowned winter destination, Snowmass Village offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, nearly 30 restaurants, 95 percent on-slope lodging and great shopping, as well as exciting special events and music – all year round. Summertime, Snowmass features more than 90 miles of hiking and biking trails; gold medal fly-fishing; Class V white-water rafting and kayaking, and a full lineup of weekly events. Consistently ranking as one of the best ski areas in the world, the area boasts the second longest vertical drop in the United States, with 3,332 skiable acres. Located six miles from Aspen’s airport and with 300 days of sunshine per year, Snowmass is an ideal summer and winter destination.

Snowmass Tourism Media Contact: Sara Stookey, Public Relations Coordinator, Snowmass Tourism, 970-922-2285 or sstookey@SnowmassTourism.com.

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