The Scottish Tartan Festival will return to downtown Minden on Saturday, April 12, at Miller Quarters Park, marking its 23rd anniversary. Hosted by the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands, this year will be the third consecutive festival held in the downtown area since its relocation from Scotland Farms in 2023.
“The Ark-La-Tex has a rich Scottish heritage and culture from which many of us in this region can trace our roots,” said Tartan Festival member Stephen Webb.
Scottish Society member Sheila Hoh emphasized the festival’s cultural and economic impact. “Many people have heard their grandparents refer to the ‘Scots-Irish’ ancestors in their family tree,” Hoh said. “The annual Scottish Tartan Festival is a family-friendly event that offers a fun way for people to learn more about that heritage, and it also provides a boost to our area’s economy through increased tourism and local business sales.”
The festival, running from 10 AM to 6 PM, will feature a variety of events, including Scottish Clan tents with heritage exhibits, a March of the Clans, Highland Games beginning at 1 PM, and live performances. Musical acts will include Grammy Award-winning group The Cox Family, as well as traditional and Celtic rock musicians such as Cleghorn, Emerald Accent, and harpist Miriam Bennett. Dance performances will feature Scottish Highland Dance, Irish dance, and the Thistle Dancers.
Additional attractions will include artisan and craft demonstrations, a Bonniest Knees contest, a haggis eating competition, storytelling sessions, a blacksmithing exhibit, and a dog show featuring both Scottish and non-Scottish breeds. Vendors will offer Celtic wares, Scottish cuisine, and traditional festival foods. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, with wristbands required for all vendor sales.
Festival goers are encouraged to dress in Scottish, Irish, Welsh, or Celtic attire. The event is pet-friendly, provided animals are leashed. Limited seating will be available, so attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Tickets for the festival are available for pre-purchase online or at the admissions gate on the day of the event. Pre-purchased tickets include a coupon for a free soft drink in a souvenir cup. Admission prices are $15 for adults (ages 12 and up), $5 for children ages 6-11, and free for children ages 5 and under. All ticket sales are non-refundable.
The Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting Scottish culture and Celtic heritage in the Ark-La-Tex. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month and hosts annual events, including a Burns Supper in January, the Scottish Tartan Festival in April, and a Whisky Tasting in November.
For more information, visit www.scottishtartanfestival.com or contact the Scottish Society at [email protected].
