For one weekend in June, a quiet stretch of East Texas countryside will transform into something straight out of the Scottish Highlands.
Bagpipes will echo through the trees. Fire dancers will light up the evening. Storytellers will spin tales of fairies and legends, while competitors test their strength in traditional Highland Games. And somewhere nearby, someone will almost certainly be wearing a kilt.
The East Texas Celtic Festival is celebrating its 11th year, but for the first time, the three-day event will take place at its new home in Hawkins.
Festival organizer George Jones said the move marks an exciting new chapter for an event that has spent the past decade building a loyal following in Tyler.
“We found land here that we can own,” Jones said. “Now we have room to grow.”
The festival’s new site at 2487 FM 1795 is part of a larger vision. Jones and his team eventually hope to create a year-round destination, in conjunction with the Mineola Lake Country Playhouse and Select Theatre, that hosts family-friendly events ranging from haunted attractions around Halloween and Christmas celebrations to other outdoor concerts and theatrical productions.
But first comes Celtic Fest.
Part cultural celebration, part outdoor entertainment festival and part family gathering, the event showcases the traditions of Scottish, Irish and Welsh heritage.
“It’s kind of like a Renaissance fair, except we don’t lock it into one time period,” Jones explained. “The Celts were here in the beginning, and they’re still going.”
Visitors will find three stages of live entertainment operating throughout the weekend. Performers include musicians, storytellers, comedians, belly dancers, Scottish pipers and a full pipe-and-drum group. One crowd favorite, a fire dancer known simply as Stephen, is expected to return with his dazzling display.
Among the more unusual attractions are traditional Highland Games competitions, where participants can test their strength by tossing stones and flipping cabers — large wooden poles made famous in Scottish competitions.
“There are men’s competitions, women’s competitions and even a kids version,” Jones said. “Anybody can sign up and try it.”
For those who prefer stories to strength contests, Celtic legends and folklore will be shared throughout the weekend. Visitors can learn the origins of famous songs, hear tales of fairies and monsters, and discover the stories behind centuries-old traditions.
One of the festival’s most popular traditions is the daily handfasting ceremony, an ancient Celtic custom believed to be the origin of the phrase “tying the knot.”
According to Jones, participants will choose ribbons representing different hopes and blessings — such as love, prosperity or friendship — and have their hands ceremonially bound together. The ceremony can serve as a friendship pledge, vow renewal, commitment ceremony or even a legal wedding for couples who bring a valid marriage license.
“We do one big ceremony each day, and anybody can participate,” Jones said.
The festival also offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. About two dozen vendors will be on-site selling handcrafted goods ranging from leatherwork and candles to Celtic-themed merchandise, while food booths will feature traditional Scottish fare alongside familiar favorites such as hamburgers and other festival foods.
For performer Lane Gregory, one of the highlights will be a new historical comedy show he and fellow cast members have spent months preparing.
“We each tell different parts of the story, and there’s audience interaction and some playful sword fighting,” Gregory said. “It’s a lot bigger than what we’ve done before.”
While the entertainment and cultural activities draw thousands of visitors each year, Jones says the festival’s larger purpose is simpler.
“We’re trying to give families those moments that we used to have,” he said. “We’re trying to give people a reason to get out of the house, spend time together and make memories.”
The East Texas Celtic Festival runs for three days and is open rain or shine. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $1 for children.
Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and prepare for an outdoor adventure. Costumes and kilts are welcome but certainly not required.
Whether attendees come for the bagpipes, the Highland Games, the storytelling or simply the chance to experience something different, organizers hope the festival’s first year in Hawkins will be the beginning of a long new tradition.
After all, it’s not every day East Texas gets a little taste of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.