For years, I've wanted to attend the Celtic Festival in Grass Valley. But for one excuse or another, it's never happened -- until this past weekend. The weather was warm (tipping at about 88 degrees), but the atmosphere was rightfully soaked with everything Celtic. Heck, even taking a leak I felt underdressed without a kilt:
The Festival had many attractions including horses, sheep, and these amazing highland dogs. Sorry, but I haven't a clue about their breed, but lemme tell you, they're frakkin' tall. These pups were just under a year old. At that rate, they'll be as tall as the ponies in no time:
There's a "living history" area where all the goofy people dress in their period costumes just like at a Renaissance fair. It's not really my bag, but the people-watching is top-notch. The women with their boobs cinched up to their necks, and the men walking around in leather and yielding weapons of mass destruction, aka their penis extensions. Great viewing fun! Here's a court of some sort having some kind of lunch (the details really are lost on me):
Mainly, I came for the music. And the festival performers didn't disappoint. We stayed for most of the afternoon and saw a few bands like Hanz Araki & The Might Few and a local group, The String Sisters. I really enjoyed these folks from Chico called Ha'Penny Bridge Band. A big heavy on the Irish jig, but worth me buying one of their CDs.
My favorite group of the day was the Paul McKenna Band from Glasgow, Scotland. They were charismatic, professional, and a whompin' stompin' good time (at least that's the impression I got with all the drunk people left of stage, dancing a step I've never seen before in my life):
