The annual NELA Celtic Festival will take place this Saturday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at Lazarre Park along the Ouachita River in the South Riverfront Cultural District. It is a family friendly event and admission will be $5 per person for anyone 3 and older.
Thanks to the sponsorship of Century Next Bank, this year's festival will once again feature The Highland Games. This Gaelic athletic tradition is rooted in hundreds of years of culture and is highly entertaining. The games include events from six categories: The Caber Toss, Weights for Distance, Weights for Height, Heavy Hammer, Stone Put, and Sheaf Toss. Professional athletes from around the world make the trip to compete and prove themselves in these events. Amateurs are also permitted to compete in these events at no charge and will be provided demonstrations and coaching. Information for registration can be found at the NELA Celtic Festival facebook page.
The festival will also feature performances by artists including The Celtic Collective, Crescent & Clover, The Thistle Dancers and Pipers, Emerald Accent, Red River Pipes & Drums, and Bonnie Ferguson and The Motherland. Along with a Celtic Fun Float in the morning on October 7. Launching at 9a.m. from downtown West Monroe and ending at Lazarre Park's boat ramp, the float will cost $15 per person and will include the cost of festival admission.
Other activities available to festival-goers include dog herding, a falcon and hawk demonstration, Highland cows and miniature horses, along with a new addition to this years festival, a Kid Zone. Sponsored by Melanie Massey Physical Therapy and Mojoy Studio, the Kid Zone will feature youth Highland Games, face painting, inflatable jumpers, and dance lessons. There will also be many vendors selling hand crafted items as well as beer on tap provided by Flying Heart Brewery. Finally, there will be a whiskey tasting for attendees 21 years and up and will cost 20$.