Arkansas Scottish Festival + Lyon College Homecoming
A New Tradition
RANKED #7 OF “THE TOP 100 THINGS TO DO IN ARKANSAS” BY AY MAGAZINE
The Highland Games (now ScotsFest) were established in 1979 on the Arkansas College campus as a way to pay homage to the Scottish heritage of the College’s Presbyterian founders. With the support of President Dan West and college administrators, including Dennis Wright, the festival began as a small Scottish fair on the campus’ intramural field as a part of homecoming celebrations. As it grew, the festival moved onto a larger area surrounding the field, and then moved again in 2004 to incorporate the central area of the college campus.
Now held annually in October, the Arkansas Scottish Festival has gone from being an obscure fair in the foothills of the Ozarks to one of the best-known Scottish festivals in the South. Pipe bands, solo pipers, drummers, dancers, athletes, Celtic performers, clan representatives, and vendors have traveled from all corners of the country to attend and participate in the event.
On Friday, the festival is open for school field trips at noon with select vendors, musical acts, Scottish dancers, sheep dog demonstrations, and athletic demonstrations, and ends with the President’s Reception and annual Lyon College Alumni Awards Celebration.
On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m. Start your day with a Scottish breakfast at one of our food vendors, followed by piping competitions, sheepdog demonstrations, Highland athletics and dancing demonstrations, children’s games, a British car show, along with vendors, crafters, and clans. You can hangout during the day in the Ozark Beer Co. Entertainment Tent with live music, and all you can eat (and drink).
Opening ceremonies begin that day at 12 p.m. with a parade of massed bands and clans.
Afternoon activities include pipe band demonstrations with bands from around the region as well as our own Lyon College pipe band, Patrick Regan at the Entertainment tent, vendors, plenty of Scottish Clans on Clan Row, and Highland Dance. Homecoming activities include a pep rally and tailgating, and the homecoming football game at pioneer stadium!
A feast and ceilidh (a party with music and dancing) finishes off the day. Bring your dancing shoes, and don’t forget to purchase tickets early!
Sunday morning's events begin with a traditional Iona outdoor worship service. Highlights of the day include pipe band demonstrations, Celtic music, two concerts, and the Bonniest Knees Contest (which features blindfolded women hand-testing the knees of kilted men).
