Members of Scotland’s oldest clan – the Lamonts – will be giving out Scotch eggs (while they last) to people who stop by their booth at the Scots on the Rocks Moab Celtic Festival from Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 5.
The traditional Scottish food is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage, breaded and fried.
“They’re delicious; they’re fantastic,” said Andy Draper, vice-president of the nonprofit Scots organization.
Dan and Marta Lamont of Moab founded Scots on the Rocks to promote Celtic culture, which includes Irish, Welsh and Scottish traditions. Dan Lamont, president of the board of directors, invites the public to come check out their genealogy and perhaps meet a member of their clan.
“Come and meet your people; learn about Celtic heritage,” Lamont said. “We have a surname and heritage booth. If you know your grandmother’s maiden name, we can dig more.”
The weekend includes highland games – a traditional tug-of-war between clans, Celtic music, heavy athletic events such as the caber toss, weight over bar, and sheaf toss (using a pitchfork to toss hay over an object).
There will be live bagpipe music and drumming performed throughout the weekend, with competitions between various bagpipe groups, as well as dance and athletic event competitions.
Lamont said he and his wife Marta attend 10 Celtic festivals a year to spread awareness of their clan.
“Many people know who they belong to but have never met their clanspeople,” he said.
Festivities begin on the evening of Friday, Nov. 3, with a simple flag opening ceremony, followed by the live music of bagpipers and drummers, as well as a performance by the Heather Broch Scottish Dancers – a traditional Celtic folk dance group. The Wicked Tinkers – a tribal Celtic band from Southern California, will top off the evening.
Saturday, Nov. 4, begins early with traditional highland games that include the Scottish athletics and music competitions. Visitors can peruse various vendors’ booths while traditional Celtic music and dancing are performed throughout the day. A number of Scottish clans will be represented at their individual booths, where they will share the history of their clans.
“It’s our fourth year putting it on, for the purpose of spreading Celtic culture and history of the Celtic Isles,” Draper said.
Draper, of Salt Lake City, plays drums for the Utah Pipes Band, one of several traditional bagpipe bands that will perform over the weekend. Highland dance performers will come from all over Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, Lamont said.
At noon on Saturday, the various bands will come together for a “massed bands” ceremony and performance. Following this event will be the music competitions.
There will be a whiskey tasting – a separate ticketed event held at the site.
“People will sample different whiskeys and learn their histories, how it is made, and how they differ from other whiskeys,” Draper said.
Also for sale will be wine from local wineries, beer from Moab Brewery, and of course, Guinness – Ireland’s traditional stout beer.
The highland games continue on Sunday, Nov. 5, ending at approximately 2 p.m. with a closing ceremony performance of the “massed bands.”
People can volunteer for the event to gain free admission.
“It’s a wonderful time,” Lamont said. “It’s not a running race, a Jeep thing; it’s just culture. It’s a great time.”
What: Scots on the Rocks Moab Celtic Festival
When: Friday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 5; Friday meet and greet at 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday gates open at 9 a.m.
Where: Old Spanish Trail Arena, 3641 S. U.S. Highway 191
Cost: Tickets One day ticket $10; $20 for three days; VIP tickets also available. Whiskey tasting tickets $25
Information: www.scotsontherocksmoab.com; 435-210-0080
Celebrate Celtic culture at 4th annual Scots on the Rocks festival
It’s a wonderful time … It’s not a running race, a Jeep thing; it’s just culture. It’s a great time.
To see a full schedule of events, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit the website: www.scotsontherocksmoab.com.
