Connecticut State Scottish Festival in Goshen

Connecticut doesn’t have an annual state fair as it participates yearly in the Eastern States Exposition which is made up of the six New England States, but that is another article. This article focuses on the Connecticut Scottish Festival held in the town of Goshen every October. Are you ready for some Scottish Games?

Visitors should be, since the festival organized each year by the St. Andrew’s Society is focused on the celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. The Society uses money from the festival and other events to donate to charities here and in Scotland and provide scholarships to students looking to study Scottish Heritage. Come up to Goshen Fairgrounds and if you find you’re lost listen for the sounds of the bagpipes perpetually playing during the fair.

Learn about the heritage of Scottish Clans by visiting their tents at the fair. If you think you might have some Scottish ancestry head over the to the tent of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists to learn how you can trace your family roots.

Bagpipe playing is a competition here, deciding who can play the best pipes and probably play the longest without passing out! Celtic music is the theme at this festival. Visitors can find the stage packed with folksy singers and fast-paced drumming bands, both. Don’t forget about the Dance Exhibition where visitors can get an up close look at the fancy footed dance that is unique to the Celtic culture.

On sale at the festival will be a range of Scottish foods, you just might find Haggish, though you may prefer the Bannocks (Scottish biscuits) or the Scotch Meat Pies if you happen to find a vender selling them at the year’s fair you are attending. You can also find a range of items imported from Scotland. This may include cloth, clothing, ales, beers and cheeses.