Florida Keys Celtic Festival to Feature Live Music, Culture and Family Fun Jan. 11-12

Celtic culture, music, food and history are to be celebrated at the annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival, a favorite family event in the Middle Keys set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12.

Pre-festival kick-off parties are to take place at two Marathon locations Friday evening, Jan. 10. Attendees can gather from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dockside at Boot Key Harbor, 35 Sombrero Blvd., for appearances by the West of Galway duo and the Police Pipe and Drum Corps of Florida. The Police Pipe and Drum Corps is then to make its way to play at the second kick-off party beginning at 7 p.m. at Keys Fisheries, 3502 Gulfview Ave.

The weekend festival is to be filled with Celtic musicians including Scottish band Albannach; the West of Galway duo; the high-energy five-piece Irish band Jamison; and Ireland’s four-sister group, The Screaming Orphans.

Weekend festival highlights include performances by the Police Pipe and Drum Corps; a Highland Athletics competition, including the nation’s only sanctioned women’s Scottish Highland Games challenge; sheepherding demonstrations; Irish and Scottish dancing; a Florida Keys Art in the Park art show; and a Children’s Glen with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games and more activities.

Other attractions include Celtic merchandise, offerings by local vendors and booths representing various Scottish clans. Rounding out the weekend’s festivities are authentic Celtic food and beverages including high tea in the Iona Tea Garden, vendors offering Scottish eggs and fish and chips, and a selection of Keys food vendors.

Tickets are available for a special Afternoon Tea at 3 p.m. Saturday with Mary Queen of Scots that includes a lunch plate, tea and scones.

Non-enthusiastic runners can register to participate in the Zero K Nessie Fun Run, a “run” so short that it isn’t even measured. All registered participants are to receive a T-shirt and medal.

Those seeking to delve deeper into Celtic culture or celebrate their own Scottish or Irish heritage can take advantage of workshops in the Celtic Crossroads area. Participants can learn about Celtic history, literature, food, dance, clothing, storytelling and even how to play bagpipes.

The festival takes place at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event supports Hammock House at St. Columba Episcopal Church that provides free after-school care and summer and school break camps for children in Marathon.

Single-day admission tickets for Saturday or Sunday are $12 per person, while a two-day pass is $17. Children age 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Parking is free.

Event information: floridakeyscelticfestival.com

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