The Scottish Festival and Highland Games is an annual two day festival celebrating Scottish culture held in Itasca, Illinois. This month we explored the Scottish Festival and Highland Games for the first time this year and discovered a unique Chicago area event to be on your summer list every year!
Immediately upon arrival, we were swept up by the festive atmosphere. We began exploring by perusing the vendor alley including plenty of Scottish and even some Irish wares. Of course, there were plenty of baked treats including shortbread! One booth also allowed you to research your Scottish last name. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the array of Scottish and Irish wares available. Chicago Scots has done a great job of assembling interesting vendors!
Entertainment was well spread out throughout the grounds. During our adventure, we enjoyed haggis throwing. Fun and amazing to watch! Other entertainment included rugby, highland dance, a haggis eating contest, a shortbread contest, the dogs of Scotland, Celtic rock, bagpiping, caber toss, a kids' activity area where they can make Celtic crafts and much more. The event is truly one where you can spend an entire day.
The food is definitely not to be missed, either! I was delighted to see food trucks with shepherd's pie. Of course, one could also find fish 'n chips and haggis too! There also were trucks with standard carnival fare as well if that is what you fancy!
The Scottish Festival and Highland Games provides a truly jovial way to explore Scottish heritage. The festival is a fun way to begin your summer, so make sure to have it on your summer festival list!
**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary tickets to bring the Highland Games to you. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
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