23rd Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games

September 14 & 15, 2024 | Saturday 10am-10:30pm; Sunday 10am-7:00pm

 

Attractions

Living History

Throughout the weekend you'll see history and culture come alive in various ways, all thanks to those who honor all aspects of Celtic life. Better yet, you can join in! Hear stories, peruse specialty collections, learn about swordfighting, and more.

the 13th realm
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.

Cobblestone Alpacas
Cobblestone Fiber Designs

Cobblestone Fiber Designs uses various fiber crafting techniques including weaving, knitting, crochet, hand-dying, and more. Visit their booth for first-hand demos of these ancient arts, and to purchase a variety of goods such as clothing, jewelry and artisinal soaps.

High Striker Game
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!

Ruff Rock Mining LLC
Ruff Rock Mining LLC

Fossils or gemstones...which will you pick? Select your bag of sand, pour it into a tray and let a 10-foot water sluiceway reveal your surprise treasures! Ruff Rock Mining also offers a unique collection of rocks, cut gems, geode crackers and fossils, many of which are labeled by the location they were found.

SHFT
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

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.

wishing tree
The Wishing Tree

The tree's origins come from old Celtic traditions; variations include Fairy, May, and Votive Trees. Visitors add wishes (or prayers) as offerings to saints, deities or wee folk. At weekend's end they are ceremoniously sent to the heavens, where we hope many receive help in coming true!

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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.

clan baird

Clan Hannay

clan baird

Clan Thompson

clan wallace

Clan Wallace

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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. 14

Times
Class

1:00pm

Celtic Mystical Menagerie

 

 

2:00pm

How to Drape a Scottish Arisaid

 

 

:00pm

The Celts: Past & Present

 

 

4:00pm

Make Your Own: Celtic Illumination

 with Vic Thibault

 

5:00pm

 Private Event
 

Sunday, Sept. 15

Times
Class

1:00pm

Alawon Sesiwn: Welsh Trad songs

 

 

2:00pm

Weaponsmithing & Prestige in Viking Age Settlements

 

 

3:00pm

Cornel Cymraeg: Intro to Welsh Speaking

 

 

4:00pm

Through Irish Eyes: Buffalo History in Song

 

 

 

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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 whenever possible.

agility dream dogs
Agility Dream Dogs

Sunday Only

A popular attraction has returned! Enjoy the amazing skills and tricks of some wonderful Shelties (a Scottish breed) and their friends.

Shenandoah Acres Petting Zoo
Miniature Pony Show   New!

by the North-East Herd Niagara Co. 4H Club

Sunday Only

Miniature horses are making their Niagara Celtic debut at the outdoor riding arena in Dagda Faire! Learn the history of this amazing breed while watching demos of their skill, grace, and athleticism.

Shenandoah Acres Petting Zoo
Shenandoah Acres Petting Farm

Experience a wonderful array of farm animals. All ages will delight as they meet and learn about the lives of alpacas,  chickens, goats, bunnies, and more!  

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Wee Folk Shire

 

Open Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Wonder and adventure are found everywhere in Niagara Celtic's Wee Folk Shire. Journey through four mini-lands (and a tree!) designed to encourage education, imagination, active play and togetherness.

More announcements coming Summer 2024

Celtic Angels
Celtic Angels

**Sunday Only**

Celtic Angels are a youth choir that learns and perform songs in English and Irish Gaelic. Their choir is open to children of all ages at no cost.

storyteller's tree
The Storyteller's Tree

Storytelling was vital during the time of ancient Celts, as a way to share history, lessons and fantasy.  Whether it's a fanciful teller of tales or a talking tree, spend time relaxing with our storytellers. Showtimes and story lengths vary.

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