By Brooklynn Wong
Before the all-American Memorial Day festivities got underway over the holiday weekend, Scottish-Americans congregated at the Orange County Fairgrounds May 25 and 26 for Scottish Fest 2019.
Put on each year by the United Scottish Society of Southern California, the two-day event drew an impressive crowd from far and wide.
On the sprawling acreage of the fairgrounds, dozens of clans set up their tables, so attendees could connect with those in the same approximate kinship group, where they proudly displayed their tartans and participated in the Clan Parade.
There was also no shortage of booths temping the palate with scotch eggs, fish and chips and whisky flights.
Musical groups put on concerts with traditional music, Highland Games offered an opportunity for both men and women to display their strength in competitive hammer throws and caber tosses, young step dancers competed, Piping and Drumming groups were judged strictly in a competition, and herding dogs put their skills to the test by displaying their impressive instincts on a small herd of sheep in a demonstration.
There were kilts as far as the eye could see, and it was a joyous occasion for those proud of their heritage to gather together and celebrate it.
The festival began as a small gathering in 1932 and immediately began growing. Beginning in 1938, it was held at the Santa Monica Municipal Stadium. It was not held during World War II, but roared back with a vengeance and has grown every year since.
