Southern California’s premier Scottish festival returned to the Ventura County Fairgrounds this weekend for its 22nd edition.
The Seaside Highland Games turned the fairgrounds into an immersive, family-friendly Scottish village filled with music, history and cultural traditions.
On Oct. 10, visitors enjoyed live performances across three entertainment stages, with Celtic rock and folk bands taking the spotlight. The festival continued on Oct. 11.
The event also featured exciting heavy athletics competitions, including traditional tests of strength such as the caber toss and hammer throw.
Top Celtic talent from across the region competed in judged events for Highland dancing, bagpiping and drumming.
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Representatives from Clans Munro and Gunn, along with the Innis Societies of North America, hosted information booths for visitors researching their genealogy and Scottish 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,” the festival’s official website stated.
The festival weekend began Friday evening with a special Scottish Evening gala held ahead of the two-day event. Guests enjoyed a premium whisky tasting and 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 on Saturday.
