COLUMBIA -- The pipes will be skirling and the clans gathering as the South Carolina State Museum presents Tartan Fest, its annual celebration of Scottish heritage, on Saturday, April 5. The theme "Scotland the Strong" will be highlighted throughout the day with programs on Scottish weaponry, castles, bagpipes, falconry and heavy athletics. The lure of the tartan will be explored with a Scottish fashion show, and guests will enjoy Scottish music and Highland and country dancing.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies on the museum's front lawn, including a parade of tartans and clan banners and the national anthems of Scotland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Renowned Scottish balladeer Colin-Grant Adams brings his spirited vocals, guitar accompaniment and humor to a repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. Columbia's own Palmetto Pipes and Drums will also perform marches and Scottish anthems. Scottish country dancing and Highland dancing will be represented by award-winning area dancers.

Lexington resident Burt Sorin, winner of the 2007 World Amateur Championship in Scottish Games athletics, will give meaning to the phrase "Scotland the Strong" with a demonstration of the heavy athletics that are so much a part of Highland Games.

Guests also will have op

portunities to learn about Scotland's history. Jack Dunlap will speak on Scottish weaponry, William P. "Billy" DuBose III will acquaint guests with the history of the bagpipes, and Dr. Jim Gordon of Winged Ambassadors will talk and give demonstrations of Scottish falconry.

During the day, wee laddies and lassies can make Celtic crafts in the Discovery Center and participate in the museum's Scottish scavenger hunt to learn how the Scots impacted South Carolina.

Kilts, tartan plaids, sporrans, Glengarry hats, trews and Sgian Dubhs -- even Scottish wedding attire -- will be on display at the Celtic fashion show. Guests can interact with different Scottish clans, who will display information about Scottish heritage and showcase tartans: various patterned plaid textiles that distinguish certain families or clans. For those interested in a Scottish souvenir, vendors on the mezzanine will sell their wares, from kilts to jewelry and other items.

Tartan Fest is free with regular museum admission or membership. For more information, call 803-898-4952 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

Special to The T&D

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