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Pre-Festival Events

Night of the Celts Benefit
April 17, 2008
A night of Irish music from County Cork! Past festival headliners , Máirtín de Cógáin and the legendary Jimmy Crowley are featured performers at this special benefit concert. Also, the Jackson/Orlando-based Irish trad trio, Legacy team up with the Muggivan School of Irish Dance. A night to be remembered with 500 of your closest friends!

Whiskey Tasting Benefit
Details to come

On Site Festival Events

John Lennon Tribute
Did you know John Lennon was Irish? John Lennon was named after his paternal grandfather, John 'Jack' Lennon. The name Lennon is an anglicized version of O'Leannain, or O'Lionnain, names which historically have been prevalent in Fermanagh and Galway, Ireland. However, Dublin was the birthplace in 1858 of John's grandfather, John (Jack) Lennon who, like many men of his time, immigrated to Liverpool to seek better prospects of employment.

The tribute to John Lennon, with music provided by Kenny Bill Stinson and Special Guests, has been a tradition at now “festival headquarters” Enoch’s Irish Pub and Cafe since 1980, and became a part of the NELA Celtic Festival in its first year, owing to the proximity of the event to Lennon's birthday. Now it's a much appreciated tradition!

Highland Games
Previous years saw a demonstration of highland games, though this year, an all out competition will ensue! There is no fee for registration and pre-registration is not required. Potential participants will need to go to the games area and sign up with Stuart Meyer when the gates open Oct. 25th.  All highland events will be included, including the caber toss, weight throw for distance and height, hammer throw for distance, sheaf toss, Braemar stone put, etc. 

This is an amateur event, and prizes will be given in the form of goodies from Meyer's vendor booth (i.e., swords, sgian dubhs, and other fun gear).  Those wishing to pre-register can contact the Highland Games Coordinator, Tom McCandlish. (email protected by captcha)

Want to learn more about Scottish Highland Games? Visit the Southeastern Scottish Amateur's Athletic Association online.