Department of Tourism
For Immediate Release:  August 23, 2002
Contact:  Peggy Schelske (605) 583-4419

SCOTLAND’S HIGHLAND FESTIVAL BRINGS CULTURE

Don your kilt and visit Scotland for the South Dakota Highland Festival Sept. 14. Heritage is top priority as a day full of activity is dedicated to Scottish athletic events, exhibitions, arts and more. All events are at the Scotland Park and sports complex on Sixth Street. The event is open to the public, free of charge.

The men’s heavy highland athletic contests such as the Braemer Stone Toss, 20-pound Scheaf Toss, Hammer Throw and Farmer’s Walk take place at 9 a.m. Simultaneously, the junior high football tournament, a competition among eight teams, will be held.

Men’s rugby games with South Dakota State University vs. Wayne State and women’s games with University of South Dakota vs. Wayne State start at 2 p.m.

A children’s tent with activities and crafts such as shield and sword making, coloring and picture opportunities with Scottish wooden cutouts is open 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

All ages will enjoy seeing the Border collie sheep herding demonstrations that occur at various times throughout the day.

Wes Shephard, a world renowned professional piper, is one of the many Celtic pipers, harpists and dancers who will perform throughout the day.

A 5K run begins at 8 a.m. Entrants meet at the Scotland Park. Fee is $10 if received before Aug. 31 and $14 after. For information, contact Rob Schmitz at (605) 583-4847.

The event concludes with a Scottish meal at 5 p.m. at the City Hall. Pan haggis, howtowdie, fricassee and other authentic Scottish dishes will be served. Admission is $8. 

For information on the South Dakota Highland Festival, contact Peggy Schelske at (605) 583-4419 or visit www.scotlandsd.org/HighlandFest.

The South Dakota Highland Festival has been designated a “Great Event” by the South Dakota Department of Tourism. With that designation, the department provides assistance to event coordinators and creates and funds promotions for the event. The objective of the Department of Tourism’s “Great Events” program is to boost attendance at South Dakota events and to increase economic impact in host communities.

For a free South Dakota travel packet, call 1-800-S-DAKOTA (1-800-732-5682) or visit www.travelsd.com on the Web.

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