Enjoying Tulsa's Annual Scottish Festival

Tulsa, Oklahoma hosts an annual Scottish Fest once a year during a weekend in September that draws a huge variety of Tulsans, from those of legitimately Scottish descent to curious people of other cultural backgrounds to those who simply wish that they were Scottish. Although often overlooked by many in Tulsa in favor of the annual Greek Festival (which usually occurs the weekend following the Scottish Festival) the Scottish Festival is certainly worth taking out an afternoon during a weekend to explore. Advertising itself as a celebration of Oklahoma's Celtic history and heritage, the Scottish Fest is a unique cultural experience that will take visitors right to the heart of Scotland.

One obvious attraction at the Tulsa Scottish Festival is the wonderful Scottish music. Ranging from traditional Scottish tunes in parades of bagpipes to rock bands complete with violinists and bagpipes, the music at the Scottish Fest is certainly a thrilling attraction in and of itself. The bagpipers are dressed (like many other participants at the Scottish Festival) in traditional Scottish dress of plaid kilts and knee high socks. The rock bands, however, take on a more modern appearance, with modern-day apparel despite their use of bagpipes in their musical creations.

Besides the musical performances, other traditionally Scottish forms of entertainment are provided throughout the entire festival. Scottish jigs are performed during the festival and participants at the festival are encouraged to grab a partner and join on in the fun. The highland games are also certainly a highlight of the festival and add an additional competitive element to the already fun- charged atmosphere. The games are divided into several divisions, according skill levels. Games range from axe wielding to the more exciting caber throwing competitions. (The caber throwing competition on the Saturday of the festival offers a $200 cash prize to the winner.) Another impressive competition and feat of physical strength is the "Sunday Farmer's Walk," during which participants carry weights (women carry seventy-five pounds in each hand and men carry one hundred and seventy-five pounds in each hand) and attempt to travel the furthest distance. The winner for this walk in each category is awarded $150.

Finally, the Tulsa Scottish Festival is full of unique Scottish foods to consume over the weekend. Although the traditional "carnival-type" foods are available (such as powdered sugar covered funnel cakes), specifically Scottish foods dominate most of the festival. Most of the food items are meat pastry type selections; if you do not enjoy this type of nourishment, then it is recommended that you eat prior to enjoying your afternoon at the festival.

Tickets for the Scottish Festival can be purchased on site during the festival and are good for an entire weekend of entertainment.