Celtic Fest Ohio promises 3 days of live music, haggis and hounds

Ohio Renaissance Festival grounds to host Celtic fest for fourth year

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Every June at Renaissance Park, Celtic Fest Ohio celebrates the music, dance, and culture of Ireland and Scotland.

 

Here’s what to expect at Celtic Fest Ohio 2019 this weekend:

MUSIC AND DANCE

There will be live music all three days, and the fest has evolved to the point where fans expect to see certain popular and acclaimed bands and dance troupes, including Dulahan, Jameson’s Folly, Albannach, Off Kilter, the Celtic Academy of Dance, the McGovern Irish Dancers, and others. However, there will be a few new acts this year. They are Barleyjuice (Celtic rock), The Byrne Brothers (traditional Irish by a Dublin dad and his three sons), and The Drowsy Lads (original and rearranged Irish music with a touch of bluegrass and classical).

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

FOOD AND DRINK

The menu at Celtic Fest will cater to both Celtic and conventional American palettes. You can get haggis or bangers & mash from Pleasant Peasant, peat-smoked Irish meats from 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q, or a Scotch egg or Celtic baked potato from Aleing Knight Pub. You can also get a slice of pizza from DaVinci’s (cheese, pepperoni, or Celtic), gourmet chocolates from Holly B. Sweets, or Martin’s Ice Cream.

Drink booths will be serving the mandatory Guinness, but also Guinness Blonde and other Irish pub standbys such as Harp and Smithwicks. The truly adventurous can sample Ole Smokey Moonshine. The 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q will be serving a wide variety of microbrews and wines. Again, domestic patriots will find plenty of Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Coca-Cola products, Starbucks and just plain water.

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TASTINGS

Kick off the fest on Friday with the Guinness Pint Glass Etching and Tasting at the Guinness Tasting Tent. You will receive a personalized pint glass filled with your favorite variety of Guinness for an additional $25. On Saturday and Sunday, you can participate in three other tasting sessions. At the 3 Fools Pub, you can go full medieval by sampling Brother’s Drake Mead, a honey-flavored mead. The Jameson Whiskey Tasting will feature six whiskeys from the popular Jameson family. Sample these for an additional $42; add $10 if you want chilled whiskey rocks as well. Finally, the Woodchuck Hard Cider Tasting will feature several ciders from the Woodchuck brand for an additional $20.

VIKING ENCAMPMENT

By touring this 40-foot replica of a Viking Wolf Tamer, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of a Viking sailor exploring far-off lands. Who says partying can’t include a little education?

IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

Sleek as greyhounds and taller than Great Danes, these Irish hunting dogs are known for their size and speed. Check them out at your leisure all weekend in the Gentle Giants Pavilion.

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BORDER COLLIE DEMONSTRATION

Alan Miller, a Kentucky-based, second-generation livestock herder, will demonstrate how border collies are used to herd ducks and sheep on Saturday.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

SHAMROCK SHENANIGANS

The truly hardcore Celtic Fest enthusiasts will spend a good portion of their day negotiating this series of obstacles, activities and puzzles. Earn tickets to redeem prizes and a portion of your fee goes to the Have a Heart to Save A Heart Foundation.

Obstacles include the Nerf Gun Shooting Range, Giant Jenga, cornhole, Maze Seek & Find, Spin the Wheel, mini golf, and Giant Cup Pong. There’s a kids’ version of Shenanigans as well. Cost is an additional $15 per person and takes place at 6 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.

WANT TO GO?

What: Celtic Fest Ohio

Where: Renaissance Park, 10542 East State Route 73, Waynesville

When: June 14-16, 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $5-$24. Hotel packages are available as well

More Info: Facebook | www.celticfestohio.com

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