Celebrating Celtic heritage at first annual festival

CALEDONIA—Rylie and Vinnie Santo are Celtic music enthusiasts.
—Haldimand Press photos by Kurt Lewis.

By Kurt Lewis

The Haldimand Press

CALEDONIA—From butterbeer to haggis and from highland dancing to medieval martial arts, there was something for everyone at the first-ever Celtic Festival at the Caledonia Fairgrounds on June 21 and 22, 2019.

‘Celtic’ refers to the ancient people of what is now England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and many families in the area are proud to trace their heritage back to this noble culture. Hundreds of Haldimand residents arrived to participate in and watch traditional Scottish Heavy Games, sample authentic British foods, and browse the many vendors selling all sorts of Celtic wares.

One such vendor was artist Doug Fulford of Lord Normand Chainmaille Jewelry, who showed off traditional medieval chain-weaved jewellery. Sharing a tent with Fulford was Mafowlda’s Magical Treats, specializing in Harry Potter-themed candies and merchandise – including their homemade recipe for the fictional butterbeer.