Ancient Scottish tradition takes over rural California county

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Southern California’s premier Scottish festival returned to Ventura County Fairgrounds for its 22nd edition this weekend.

The Seaside Highland Games transformed the fairgrounds into an immersive, family-friendly Scottish village.

Visitors enjoyed three live entertainment stages featuring Celtic rock and folk bands on Oct. 10, and the festival is still ongoing on Oct. 11.

The event is hosting thrilling heavy athletics competitions featuring traditional feats of strength like the caber toss and hammer throw.

It is also showcasing judged contests in Highland dancing, bagpiping, and drumming, drawing top-tier Celtic talent from across the region.

Clans Munro, Gunn and Innis Societies of North America hosted information booths where visitors came in to research their genealogy and heritage.

“The Harp Glen is an awesome stop and the World War II military encampment will teach you a thing or three about our tremendous history,” read the festival’s official website.

The festival weekend kicked off Friday evening before the two-day event with a special Scottish Evening gala featuring premium whisky tasting and a buffet dinner.

“We love to enjoy the Seaside games and everyone who walks by we say hay because we are the Hay Clan,” Jeana Weatherland, a festival attendee, told KEYT News Saturaday.

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