Gentlemen in kilts are urged to enter the Colorado Scottish Festival’s Bonnie (pretty) Knees Contest, held both Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2. Now its 52nd year, the 2015 Festival will be held at its new home in Snowmass Village.
The Bonnie Knees contest will be held immediately following the Mid-Day Ceremonies at the center of the Festival field both days. Judging will be by the Ladies of the Festival, who will tastefully — and to the laughter of the audience — judge the knees of kilted contestants. Advanced sign-up is not necessary; just enjoy the Mid-Day Ceremonies and then enter with the Ladies. The winner each day will be presented with a very special prize.
The Mid-Day Ceremonies include the parade of the Festival’s colorful clans and of the Dogs of the British Isles, followed by 200 pipers and drummers marching across the field shaking the earth as they play “Scotland the Brave.” Other features of the Festival include the Great Highland athletes throwing the caber (telephone pole), beautiful Highland and Irish dancers, a genealogy tent, Celtic music all day Saturday and Sunday, Scottish country dancing, classic British cars (on Saturday), vendors, food and adult beverages.
In addition, the Festival features a free Hot Piping and Hot Drumline contest on Friday evening, July 31, and a free Saturday night Celtic rock concert with “Swagger,” on Saturday evening, August 1. For information, tickets and the best lodging rates, visit www.ScottishGames.org.
The Festival is sponsored by the nonprofit St. Andrew Society of Colorado, which is dedicated to promoting the Celtic arts, history and culture. Membership in the Society is open to all at www.ColoradoScots.org.