Saturday, October 9, 2010

Bagpipes & Kilts

This was our 4th year to attend the Scottish Highlander Festival at Apple Works Orchard.  Every year, the weather seems to be fitting for a festival celebrating the Scottish heritage.  It's usually a bit overcast, with a slight chill in the air.  It's even drizzled on us, a time or two.  We meander through the encampments set up to display life in the 1800s.  Some are cooking...roasting meat over the fire.  There's always a pot of stew, tempting all with it's earthy aroma.  One little lady is knitting, another making soap.  They're eager to share stories & demonstrations, all interesting & informative.  These folks are very passionate about their heritage. 

saluting the American & Scottish flags


Then...there is the music!  It's all about the bagpipe!  This is thee highlight for me.  I love, love the bagpipe!  The singers join in on a folk song ... singing of their homeland with so much vigor that you can't help but grin.  Next, they strike up a sad-sounding ballad, almost haunting in a way.



And of course, one can't attend a Scottish Highlander Fest without seeing a'plenty of laddies in their kilts;) The wearing of the kilt ... well, you've heard all the talk;)  The practice dates back to the 1600s & is still alive & well today (at the Highlander Fest, anyway)!

All in all, another fun year at Apple Works...learning new things, making memories, & enjoying each other.  We head home with some apple butter & a couple bags of apples, usually breaking into the bag before we even leave the lot.

 Psalm 127:3  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
                            









2 comments:

  1. What is sad is that there much to be said about the Scottish reformation and yet there was no mention of it at the festival.

    Fun times though!

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