~~The Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival committee has strived to promote the Scottish and Irish heritage of the Bitterroot Valley. We have done this through the Festival that takes place every August on the grounds of the Daly Mansion. It is only because of the hard work of a volunteer board and committee, as well as those that volunteer at the Festival, in addition to the support from the community, that we have been able to make it happen. We have some exciting changes for 2014. We have changed our name to Bitterroot Celtic Society to further explore the heritage of the Bitterroot Valley, extending beyond just Scottish and Irish to include Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. We will also be changing the name of the Festival to Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering. This, again, broadens the appeal beyond simply Scottish and Irish, but also gives those for whom this type of event is sought after, an explanation that we have not only the Gathering of the Clans, but competitions (Highland Games, Pipe & Drum band and solo competitions, and Highland and Irish Dance). As a Festival, competitors were unsure if our event would be suitable for them to attend and compete. With these changes, we expect the event to continue to grow and benefit the Bitterroot Valley and highlight it’s Celtic heritage. Typically, for this weekend event, there is over $250,000 of new money brought into the Valley from outside Clans, competitors, vendors and visitors. People come to attend the event and then stay to recreate, shop and eat at local businesses. The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering will continue to have a free shuttle from the Hamilton High School parking lot for those that don’t want to pay for the limited parking at the Mansion. We will also be having lower ticket prices so that families can come and enjoy the event and take home some wonderful items from our great vendors. In addition, we will be having Pipe & Drum competitions on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as mass bands. One of the most exciting things for 2014 is that we received a marketing grant from the State of Montana Tourism Bureau that will allow us to market the event to a wider area, specifically over 100 miles away or more. We rely on donations, sponsors, ticket sales, and grants to cover the event expenses from year to year. The community has been very supportive for the past four years and we will continue to count on this support. To that end, we would ask you to consider making a donation of support for the 2014 event, be a volunteer, or talk to us about becoming a sponsor and learning about the benefits included with sponsorship. We look forward to you joining us at the Daly Mansion grounds for the 2014 Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering, which will be held on August 23rd and 24th. Again, thank you for your continued support of the Bitterroot Celtic Society.

2014 Entry Prices

Adult

Saturday $10

Sunday $8

Weekend $15

Child $5

Active Military

Saturday $8

Sunday $5

Parking $10

Packages Price per person

$40~ Includes* Admission, Pint glass, Parking pass, T-shirt, mead tasting.

$60 ~ Includes * Admission, Pint glass, Parking pass, T-shirt, Scotch tasting.

Hours for 2014

Saturday 9am to 7pm, Free Ceilidh 7- 10 (Entertainment tent)

Enjoy:

Highland games Celtic Vendors

Clan gathering Dance Competition

Pipe & Drum competitions Mansion tours

Musical Entertainment Ceilidh

Sunday 9am to 4pm

Childrens Highland games Athletic demonstrations

Dance demonstrations Band competiton

Musical entertainment Celic vendors

See you there!!

501c3 #81-0518606

The Bitterroot Celtic Society graciously operates under the umbrella of the Montana Gaelic Society. With their help our festival has been successful for the past 5 years.