Living History
Throughout the weekend you'll see history come alive in various ways, all thanks to those who honor centuries of Celtic culture. Better yet, you can join in! Hear stories, join a sing-along, learn about swordfighting, and more.
The 13th Realm
The 13th Realm are re-enactors who recreate European 13th century. Their family friendly demonstrations and activities allow guests to have first-hand experiences with this wonderful part of our past.
High Striker Game
"Step right up and test your strength!" A high striker, also known as a strength tester or strongman game, is a century-old attraction used in funfairs, amusement parks, and carnivals. Players swing a hammer to strike a lever, which sends a puck up a tower - the more strength, the higher the puck goes!
Clan Stewart Presentations
Mary, Queen of Scots
Come and learn about the life of Mary Stuart, one of the most legendary Queens of Scotland. The presentation runs all weekend-long.
Old Fort Niagara
Enjoy an encampment with representatives of Fort Niagara. All year-long the fort delights visitors, bringing history to life through soldiers, camp life, music, craftsmanship and more. Old Fort Niagara is located where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, in a strategic location called “the key to the continent.”
Society for Historical & Fantasy Times (SHFT)
**Saturday Only**
Gain wonderful knowledge and hands-on experience with ancient weapons and battle skills. SHFT members perform demos all weekend long, giving presentations and letting guests join in as well.
Spangler Forge
Spangler Forge is a true blacksmith shop: no power hammers, hydraulic presses, or propane forges. They combine traditional hand-forging techniques with modern metallurgy to create unique and lasting pieces. Human spirit meets hot iron, just like it has for thousands of years.
Stoney Meadows Alpacas
Come and see the age old tradition of fabric production through weaving. Stoney Meadows is bringing a wonderful display to show you start to finish what it takes to produce fine fleece cloth. You can also shop from their large assortment of beautiful, completed works of hand-woven shawls, hats, gloves and scarfs.
Wishing Tree
The tree's origins come from old traditions in Celtic nations; variations include Fairy Trees, May Trees, Votive Trees, and more. Visitors add their wishes as offerings to local saints, deities or wee folk, in hopes they can receive help or guidance towards their wish or prayer. At the end of the weekend all wishes are ceremoniously sent to the heavens with help from the Fire Sculpters, where we hope many receive help in coming true!
Clan Village
The History and pride of the Scottish people thrives in the descendants of the original families of Scotland and Ireland, known as Clans. They honor their ancestors by celebrating the traditions and heritage that have held their families together for generations. A visit is highly recommended, as the living history of Clan Village cannot be missed.
Welcome to our 2022 Clans!
Clan Gunn Host Clan!
Clan Hunter
Lindsay Assoc. of USA
Clan Masonic
Clan O'Keefe New!
Clan Turnbull
Host Clan!
Celtic College
Celebrating history and heritage of the Celts is a priority for the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival. The Celtic College hosts a series of cultural classes and lectures designed to educate and enlighten you. Here's your chance to learn first-hand about bagpipes, Celtic poetry, genealogy and more- new topics every year. Make sure your visit includes one or more of these FREE classes!
Saturday, Sept. 17
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
11:00am-12noon |
Legends of Celtic Goddesseswith Eileen Canning-DiPasqualeAncient folklore includes many tales of Celtic goddesses...what where they trying to teach us thousands of years ago? |
1:00-2:00pm |
The Eisteddfod: Welsh Music, Poetry and Dancewith Sally SchaeferLearn and experience the Welsh Eisteddfod, an annual cultural festival and competition in traditional music, poetry, dance, and more. |
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|
4:00-5:30pm |
Illuminated Lettering 101with Vic ThibaultCreate your own illuminated letter in the style of Illuminated Manuscripts, such as The Book of Kells, which is currently housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. |
Sunday, Sept. 18
Times |
Class |
|---|---|
|
|
1:00-2:00pm |
Weaponsmithing and Prestige in Viking Age Settlementswith Matt HollandLearn about the basics of Scandanavian Iron Age weapons, form and function, archaeometallurgy, and prestige in design and burial practices. |
2:00-3:00pm |
Ancestral Scottish Herbalismwith Kristin Grohman, EthnobotonistHead back in time to the view our Scottish ancestors' world of traditional herbal medicine, plant folklore, and health practices. |
Animals
Niagara Celtic hosts a wonderful array of demonstrations and hands-on experience with a variety of animals, including breeds direct from the British Isles.
Announcements coming this summer.
Agility Dream Dogs
Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends. Catch their show twice daily.
Family Friendly
Kids of all ages can find endless fun throughout the grounds from the music to the food, demonstrations to attractions. We've made it easier for your to plan your outing by highlighting amazing family-friendly activities you won't want to miss!
The Storyteller's Tree
Storytelling was vital during the time of ancient Celts, as a way to share history, lessons and fantasy. Come to the Storyteller's Tree and sit for a while as you enjoy tales covering everything from Celtic to local heritage. Whether it's a fanciful teller of tales or a talking tree, make sure to spend a little time relaxing with our storytellers. Showtimes and story lengths vary; visit often during festival weekend!
Wee Folk Shire
Wonder and adventure are found everywhere in Niagara Celtic's Wee Folk Shire. Journey through mini-lands designed to encourage education, imagination, active play and togetherness.
Updates arrive this summer.
Wishing Tree
The tree's origins come from old traditions in Celtic nations; variations include Fairy Trees, May Trees, Votive Trees, and more. Visitors add their wishes as offerings to local saints, deities or wee folk, in hopes they can receive help or guidance towards their wish or prayer. At the end of the weekend all wishes are ceremoniously sent to the heavens with help from the Fire Sculpters, where we hope many receive help in coming true!
