Celtic Fling and Highland Games: Celebrate in Manheim, Pennsylvania, June 26-28, 2009

The last weekend in June, for the past 11 years, a magical transformation has taken place on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate and Winery (Home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire) located in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Upon entering the grounds you are transported to a land where the Celts dance and play games; you are transported to the annual Celtic Fling and Highland Games. This year the dates for this outdoor festival weekend are June 26-28, 2009.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with a concert by Gaelic Storm, starting at 8:00 pm. If you want to hear this sensational group play, get your tickets NOW. Tickets sell out quickly whenever Gaelic Storm is playing. Tickets are $19.95 per adult and $9.95 per child. Tickets are available in advance from this website: http://www.parenfaire.com/buytickets_general.html

Saturday and Sunday are the days of the actual Celtic Fling and Feis. And I bet by now you are wondering what a Feis is. I know I was the first time I went to the Celtic Fling and Feis. Well just in case you are, a Feis is the promotion of Irish heritage through Irish music and dance. The Fling and Feis open at 11:00 am and run until 10:00 pm. There is something for everyone at this event. There will be numerous musicians, dancers and craftspeople throughout the festival. There are eight different stages. These stages will be occupied with dancers, singers and live demonstrations throughout the course of the two day, Fling and Feis. There is nothing like live non-stop music and entertainment. There will be family representatives from various Scottish clans and Irish societies; there is no time like the festival to discover your roots. This may be your chance to meet other far flung members of your clan. Athletes from around the globe will gather here, at the Fling and Feis. It may surprise you to know that the event for the athletic competitions, the Highland Dance and Irish Dance competitions are officially sanctioned. There will also be a chance to watch a favorite activity as, 'man's best friend', the most intelligent of all dog breeds, the Border collie participates in sheepherding. It is a joy to watch these magnificent working dogs work the field.

Besides feasts for the eyes there are feasts for the palate, for what is a festival with out yummy food? Well, these festivals offerings won't disappoint. Be sure to try the Bangers and Mash or Scotch Eggs to name a few of the more well known Scottish/Irish foods and for the truly brave the Haggis. Actually, Haggis is delicious just take a bite and enjoy; just don't ask from what it is made. Feel free to bring your blankets or chairs to sit on to watch some of the events. However, you may not bring in outdoor picnic food or beverages.

Tickets to the event range from $9.00 to $29.00; there are discounts in place for getting your tickets early. If you'd like, tickets can be purchased online.

For more information check out these websites:

http://www.parenfaire.com
http://www.parenfaire.com/celticfling.html