DYK Arkansas Has A Scottish Festival? Aye, Now You Do

So, maybe it's time to start boning up on your Scottish because, believe it or na, there be a Scottish Festival in the Great State of Arkansas this October. So, if you have an interest in kilts, Celtic Rock, meat pies, sheepdogs, and bagpipe music, you dinnae wan'y miss this.

As you may have already guessed, this post is raising havoc with my auto-correct since we don't usually converse with some of these words. But I know a place where you can learn these and many other Scottish slang words if you are so inclined. That link is coming up later.

For Now...

ScotsFest 2024 is taking place from October 18-20 at Lyon College in Independence County, Arkansas. The festival will be a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, and will be a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage. This annual event is deeply rooted in the college’s Presbyterian history dating back to 1872. ScotsFest has grown into one of the most significant Scottish cultural festivals in the Southern United States. Founded by Scottish-descended Presbyterian ministers, Lyon College honors its heritage through this festival, which started in 1979 as a small gathering and has since evolved into a major cultural event expected to attract over 6,000 attendees.

The festival offers a rich array of activities, including traditional Scottish Highland athletics, dancing, pipe band exhibitions, and a British car show. Highlights also include performances by the internationally-known Celtic Rock band Barleyjuice and other talented artists like Misty Posey and Patrick Regan. Scottish cuisine will be featured, with traditional foods such as meat pies and pastries.

Barleyjuice

The event begins on...

Friday, October 18 with academic and alumni activities, including a choir reunion and alumni social.
Saturday focuses on Scottish traditions and homecoming events.
Sunday culminates with a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service and the Club 50 luncheon.

With a strong emphasis on community and cultural preservation, ScotsFest 2024 is a testament to Lyon College's commitment to celebrating its Scottish roots and its significant role in Arkansas's cultural landscape. General admission is free, with some special events requiring tickets. For more details, visit arscottishfest.com.

Ready to Brush Up on Your Scottish?

Try these websites:

TheTravel.com
WorldStrides.com

SWEET: 16 Totally Awesome '80s Candies We Were Obsessed With

Get ready to dive into a list of the most awesome '80s candies—those iconic treats that starred in movies, were sometimes more plastic than candy, and captured our hearts with their unforgettable flavors and wacky packaging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

20 Fascinating Photos Of Zoo Animals Getting Weighed and Measured

The annual weigh-in at the U.K.'s largest zoo allows zookeepers and veterinarians to record vital statistics and track the health and wellbeing of its more than 10,000 animals.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll