The Scottish Renaissance Festival is an annual celebration of culture through music, theatre, crafts, and art. Whether people come to watch the kilted Highland warriors or the beautiful Mary Stuart, Queen of the Scots, the lively music or the wondrous crafts, the miraculous magician or the comedic thespian, the playful faerie or the tubby black dragon, to play a game of skill or join in an exciting activity, they’ll find something for the entire family. The Scots call a social gathering a Ceilidh (kay-lee) and this will be a gathering to enjoy and remember

THE SCOTS ARE COMING TO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY AND THEY’RE PLANNING A CÉILIDH TO REMEMBER
(Watsonville, CA, June 20, 2009) — A Céilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee) is a Celtic gathering celebrating through music, dance and revelry. Whether they sail from the green shores of Ireland, move down from the heathered Highlands in the North, or cross the rich farmlands of Wales, the Scots are sure to bring a day of dance and music to Santa Cruz County. Travel back to a time of magic and myth as the Clans gather for the Scottish Renaissance Festival, June 20th, at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.

Experience the magic that permeates every aspect of Scottish culture as the thoroughfares of our festival are filled with the sounds of bagpipes and the energetic kicking and reeling of dancers. Scots bring one of the oldest and most sacred traditions in the world to the Festival. Storytelling, handmade jewelry, symbolic tattoos, and beautiful clothing are just a few of the ways these people express their culture.

Meet great warriors and beautiful lasses. Listen to the sounds of traditional Celtic music or kick up your heels in dance and revelry. A culture steeped in ancient lore and magical secrets, experience the enchantment and myths of Scottish history firsthand. Scottish tradition promotes a belief that there is a direct continuity between the physical and the spiritual worlds, and that life itself has multiple possibilities. Join us in a time and place where reincarnation of the individual soul is possible, divine beings appear here on earth, and things are not always as they appear….
WHAT: Scottish Renaissance Festival
WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 10am – 6 pm
WHERE: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds,
COST: $12 at the gate, children (5-11): $10, children under 5 are free.
INFO: For more info and tickets, visit www.ScottishRenaissanceFestival.org.

About: The Festival is a combination of music/artisan/craft fair, food & drink, historical reenactment performances, and costume party. 2009 marks the fourth year that Charity Events will be hosting a Renaissance Festival in Santa Cruz. For the first two years, the event was called the Dragon Slayers Renaissance Festival. Many of the dedicated actors, artisans, and participants have been participating in these events for over 35 years. The proceeds from this event go to support the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County.