The Lyon College campus will come alive with the rich sounds of bagpipes, the thrill of Highland athletics, and the warmth of homecoming celebrations when ScotsFest, Independence County’s largest annual festival, returns the weekend of Oct.18-20.
Rooted in the college’s Presbyterian heritage, ScotsFest 2024 is expected to attract over 6,000 attendees to the Batesville campus to experience the vibrant Scottish culture right in the heart of Arkansas.
Established in 1872 by Presbyterian ministers with Scottish ancestry, Lyon College has celebrated its ties to Scottish culture since its founding. ScotsFest, which began in 1979 as a small campus event on the intramural field, has grown into a major cultural festival in Arkansas and one of the most significant celebrations of Scottish culture in the southern United States. It also brings a significant economic impact to Independence County.
Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Lyon College, emphasized the festival’s importance in preserving and sharing Scottish traditions.
“Lyon College is honored to be a part of the rich tapestry of Arkansas’ cultural heritage, and the Arkansas Scottish Festival stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing these traditions. Through music, dance, and the vibrant display of Scottish culture, the Arkansas Scottish Festival demonstrates the power of community and the enduring partnership between Lyon College and our surrounding region.”
The weekend’s events will kick off on Friday with open classes, a Founders’ Day choir reunion, convocation, a rocket-building workshop, and an alumni awards celebration and social. Saturday will feature traditional Scottish activities including Highland heavy athletics, a dog show, Scottish dancing, a British car show, sheepdog demonstrations, and pipe band exhibitions, alongside homecoming events such as student organization reunions, tailgating, and a pep rally.
Entertainment throughout the festival will include the internationally-known Celtic Rock band Barleyjuice (pictured).
Formed in 1998 by pipers Kyf Brewer and Keith Swanson, the band has released seven albums of original and traditional Celtic songs, many of which have seen usage in movies and popular tv shows. Fans of Celtic radio and various streaming services will recognize such popular songs as “Weekend Irish,” “Get Your Irish On,” “Celtic Girl” and “Nancy Whiskey.”
Celtic songstress Misty Posey, entertainer and bagpipe educator Patrick Regan, and the award-winning Central High School Kilties of Springfield, Mo., also will perform at ScotsFest.
Plus, the pipe bands are always an integral part of ScotsFest.
“This year we will have several pipe bands from around the region and great opening ceremonies with all the favorites: ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘Scotland the Brave,’ and others. It’s an experience that brings Scottish culture alive right here in Batesville,” said Jimmy Bell, director of Lyon’s Scottish Heritage program.
And no Scottish festival would be complete without authentic Scottish cuisine, and ScotsFest 2024 is no exception. Attendees can indulge in a delectable array of traditional foods, including savory meat pies, flaky Scottish pastries, and other mouthwatering goodies that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Scotland.
The festival will conclude on Sunday with a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service and the annual Club 50 luncheon. General admission is free, though some events are ticketed.
Cindy Barber, executive director of alumni relations, highlighted the festival’s appeal.
“ScotsFest is the perfect weekend to enjoy reconnecting with fellow alumni, faculty and staff, family and friends. Enjoy fun, delicious food, dancing, and yes, bagpipes,” she said.
General admission is free, however alumni and festival activities, including the Friday evening Alumni Awards Banquet and Saturday evening cèilidh feast and entertainment zone, are ticketed special events.
For a detailed schedule and more information, visit arscottishfest.com.
Images: Lyon College
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