Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Scottish Festival 2018, Itasca

Chicagoland to celebrate Scottish culture and history

Posted on April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Chicagoland to celebrate Scottish culture and history
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Chicagoland to celebrate Scottish culture and history

32nd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games to be held  Friday, June 15 & Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Aye-Tasca, Illinois. Explore Scottish culture and celebrate your inner-Scot…..while supporting the oldest charity in Illinois, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care

The largest Scottish cultural organization in North America, the CHICAGO SCOTS present the 2018 Scottish Festival & Highland Games (Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16, 2018).

EVERYONE IS SCOTTISH (FOR AT LEAST ONE DAY) – This is family-friendly, two-day festival will attract 10,000-15,000 attendees. Whether you are Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination, everyone is welcome.

The Festival features an huge variety of activities and attractions – from the iconic caber toss to the largest bagpiping and drumming championship in the United States (!!!!), from whisky tasting and Celtic rock music to highland dance and children’s activities, from rugby and mini-golf and to a classic British car show and Scottish genealogy, from the dogs of Scotland and a Scottish petting zoo to a Celtic market where you can buy everything Scottish….kilts, candy, jewelry, soccer jerseys and, of course, haggis!

Scottish Festival 2018, Itasca
Scottish Festival 2018, Itasca

“It is impossible NOT to have fun at the Scottish Festival,” said Gus Noble, President of the CHICAGO SCOTS. “The event puts smiles on faces and warmth in hearts. We are excited to host our flagship event in Aye-tasca, Illinois!”

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE – All of the proceeds from this Festival benefit the oldest 501(c)3 charity in Illinois, which was established in 1845: the Scottish Home and Caledonian House – now collectively known as Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. For generations, families have turned to Caledonia Senior Living for exceptional elder care. Services include: Assisted Living, Specialized Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Respite Care. Conveniently located in a beautiful forest preserve, just a few miles west of downtown Chicago, Caledonia Senior Living is a community where friends become family. Trusted for more than 100 years.

Festival attendees will experience Scotland’s rich heritage and unique traditions. Over the past 32 years, the annual celebration has featured all Grades of pipe bands, crowned many beautiful Heather Queens, and displayed the talents of many exceptionally skilled dogs of Scotland. Of course, no Scottish Festival would be complete without the famous Haggis Hurling Contest and Haggis Eating Contest, only the brave will enter. Many men have bared their knees in the annual Men in Kilts contest and all levels of Highland Dancers have shown off their best moves. Over 500 participants throughout the years have put their creativity and taste buds to the ultimate test by joining the Shortbread Contest, and many whiskies, from the well-known, iconic brands to wee boutique distilleries, have been tasted.

Be a part of the action this year as the festival launches Friday, June 15 with exhibits and vendors open from 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Highlights include the ever-popular Heavy Athletics Exhibition, the Glengarry Bhoys as the Friday night headliner on the Celtic Rock stage, Whisky VIP Master Class, Solo Pipe Band Competition, an action-packed kid’s area with mini-golf, balloons, tattoos and mini athletics, and the Heather Queen competition, crowning the 2018 Queen and Court.

The fun continues on Saturday, June 16 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy the thrilling Heavy Athletics including the caber toss (with participants flipping a 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk end-over-end), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (where, armed with a pitchfork,  athletes launch a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (flinging a 16-pound river stone); lively Mid-West Pipe Band Championship competition, the largest pipe band competition in the United States with over 40 pipe bands and 350 solo performances of pipers and drummers; Highland Dance competition; and an intense Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge. The Dogs of Scotland and Highland Cattle offer a chance to greet some of Scotland’s cutest furry exports. Genealogy and cultural exhibits provide insight into ancestry to kick start research on the family tree. A Parade of Clan Tartans and attendee competitions British Car Show featuring vintage automobiles, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Men in Kilts contest, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest are also perennial favorites. And for the young Scots, the kid’s area and activities run all day long. Whisky and Spirits tastings will be available for adults. Dine on traditional Scottish or American cuisine and peruse the Celtic Marketplace. The festivities conclude with the Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands Show, an exhilarating concert featuring up to 1,000 bagpipers and drummers performing traditional musical selections including Amazing Grace.

Celtic Rock Stage entertainment for this year includes high energy Glengarry Boys, David Leask, and Chelsea House Orchestra.

Ticket prices for the 32nd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games are as follows:

Friday-Children 12 and under are FREE; Adults are $12.00; Seniors (60+) are $10.00

Saturday– Children under 3 are FREE; Children ages 3-12 $8.00; Adults are $20.00; Seniors (60+) are $15.00

Two Day Pass – Children under 3 are FREE; Children ages 3-12 $8.00; Adults are $30.00; Seniors (60+) are $25.00

Patron Weekend Pass (Family Friendly)– $360 This two-day pass includes entry into the festival (for 2 adults & 2 children), premier seating inside the Patron Tent, complimentary food and beverages, 12 drink tickets (beer included), and parking passes for both days.

Patron Weekend Pass (21 & Over)– $180 This two-day pass includes entry for one individual into the festival, premier seating inside the Patron Tent, complimentary food and beverages, 6 drink tickets (beer included), and parking passes for both days.

The festival is held at Hamilton Lakes, Itasca, Illinois, located at I-290 and Thorndale Avenue. On site parking will be available. Parking will be $5 per vehicle for parking on both Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 or guests may purchase a two-day parking pass for $8. For more information, event schedules, competition registration forms or to purchase tickets, visit www.scottishfestivalchicago.org.

The CHICAGO SCOTS would like to thank the following corporate sponsors and in-kind donors: Village of Itasca, Itasca Fire Department, Itasca Police Department, Sage Age, Roscoe Company, The Ben Riach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The GlenDronach Distillery, Beam Suntory, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Place, and Hamilton Partners.

The Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care are parts of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. Established in 1845, the Society is the oldest registered 501c3 charity in Illinois. In addition to offering a range of outstanding elder care services, the Society also offers scholarships and organizes events and initiatives to educate, entertain and promote both traditional and contemporary Scottish culture.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters - October 9, 2025
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
NPV: 51
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Events, Festival, News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Caledonia, cultural celebration, festival, Haggis, Itasca, Scots, Scottish Festival, Scotts

Post navigation

Previous Post: Congressman Bost launches woman’s coalition at rally
Next Post: Foster Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Better Energy Storage

Related Posts

  • The Orland Fire District responded to a reported garage fire located in the 8900  block of Oakdale Court in Orland Park on Wednesday August 7th, 2024 at at 4:51 pm. 
    Garage Fire in Orland Park Wednesday extinguished, no casualties Fire
  • Guitars are silenced News
  • harmful algal (cyanobacteria) blooms (algae blooms)
    Officials warn of dangerous Algal (algae) blooms in Illinois lakes Chicago
  • Author Aaron Hanania
    Orland Park High school junior publishes SciFi novel Aaron Hanania
  • Indiana University student Natalie Baeza, 22, was crowned the Queen of Cicero 2022-23 on Thursday night. Brenda Nava was elected as the First Pageant Princess and Fernanda Barrios as the Second Pageant Princess.
    Cicero names Natalie Baeza as the Pageant Queen for Mexican Independence 2022-23 Cook County
  • Geese blocking road in the suburbs. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Painful to watch news reports on flooding Baby Boomers

More Related Articles

Ray Hanania's syndicated political column in the Des Plaines Valley News, The Regional News Newspapers, the Reporter Newspaper and the Southwest News-Herald newspaper. Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years Blogger
Culver's Restaurants are always working to help the needy in our communities Culver’s Partners with Chicago Police Memorial Foundation to Make a Difference Blogger
Frankfort Il from village website Frankfort hosts Earth Day/Arbor Day community cleanup Saurday April 20 Environment
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County “Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County Government
Civil rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch to seek 4th Subcircuit Judgeship Cook County
Nazareth rallies, advances in Class 5A News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme