Fun Flung by Thousands
As 400 pipers piped, 70 Highland dancers pranced and eight rugby teams scrummaged — without injury — 7,000 nostalgic denizens of the New World got in touch with their Old World Celtic roots at the 38th Southern Maryland Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering.
That’s an all-time record.
“People seem to have so much fun. That’s what’s kept us going,” say Mary Beth Dent. Dent founded what is now the oldest Celtic celebration in America with like-minded Marylanders of Scottish descent and continues as its driving force.
Would-be Celts (and their dogs) from infancy to dotage proved her point. Buying wares ranging from kilts to Guinness to popsicles, they spent so much money at four-dozen merchants and food sellers that the ATM machine had to be restocked. Its original bankroll of $33,000 was gone by 1pm.
In April 30’s fine Celtic weather — mist but no rain — music, dance, storytelling, genealogy and athletic competition in two-dozen varieties gave Jefferson-Patterson Park’s lowlands a Brigadoon moment.
For its return, you won’t have to wait 100 years. The festival returns next year, its future bankrolled by this year’s success.