The ISAS invites you to be Scottish for a day this summer as the Illinois Saint Andrew Society (ISAS) presents the 23rd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Friday and Saturday; June 19-20, 2009 at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook 
Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. The Scottish Festival is a family friendly event with fun and activities for kids and adults.
ISAS, Illinois’ oldest charity, is proud to once again present their annual summer celebration with a dazzling array of Scottish themed events for the whole family, including: a Champion Supreme Pipe Band competition; Highland Dance competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Championship; Youth 5 v 5 Soccer Tournament; British Car Show; cultural exhibits; Scotch whisky tastings and seminars; live Celtic musical performances (both traditional and Celtic rock); Parade of Tartans; Kilted Mile Run/Walk; Raffle; Children’s crafts and activities; and a variety of attendee contests such as the Shortbread, Knobbly Knees, Haggis Hurling and Haggis Eating.
There will be an array of traditional Scottish cuisine and drink to enjoy. Scottish food and treats include a Tea Tent and the Celtic Marketplace, where a variety of unique Scottish and Celtic merchandise will be available for purchase.
“This is the largest and best Scottish festival in the Midwest,” said Gus Noble, President and CEO of the Society. “We pride ourselves on making families feel like they’ve been transported to Scotland for a weekend of fun while enjoying a unique opportunity to learn more about Scottish culture.”
Highlights Friday, June 19
- Exhibits and vendors open from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Highland Dance competition
- Heavy Athletics Friday Night Fling
- Crowning of the 2009 Heather Queen and Court
- Whisky tastings and seminars.
- Celtic rock stage, there will be a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music from 7 to 10 pm
Highlights Saturday, June 20
- Hours8:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Piping and Drumming competition
- Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition featuring over 100 dance competitors; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Youth Soccer 3 v 3 tournament
- Falconry, Genealogy and Celtic Canine seminars
- Parade of Clan Tartans
- Children’s activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions.
- Kilted Mile Run/Walk
- British Car Show
- Haggis Hurling Contest for women only
- Knobbly Knees Kilt Contest for men only
- Haggis Eating Contest
- Shortbread Contest.
- Musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage
- Traditional Scottish cuisine and drink
- Whisky Tasting Tent featuring multiple whisky vendors
- Whisky Seminar Tent featuring whisky classes
- Tea & Shortbread Tent
- Celtic Marketplace, featuring a variety of unique Scottish and Celtic merchandise
- Festivities culminate with the Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands Show, a breath-taking spectacle of 1,000 bagpipers and drummers, all joined in performing several traditional musical selections including Amazing Grace.
Tickets are available on the ISAS website. The Oak Brook Polo Grounds are located on 31st Street, just West of York Road. For more information, event schedules, competition registration forms or to purchase tickets, visit the Illinois Saint Andrew Society website at www.chicago-scots.org or call (708) 447-5092.
Illinois Saint Andrew Society would like to thank the following corporate sponsors: American Airlines, Glenlivet Whisky and the Illinois Arts Council.
The Illinois Saint Andrew Society nourishes Scottish identity through service, fellowship and celebration of Scottish culture. Established in 1845, the Illinois Saint Andrew Society is the oldest 501c3 charity in Illinois. Today the Society has grown into the largest Scottish cultural organization in North America. As well as organizing and funding initiatives to preserve Scottish traditions and promote Scottish culture, the Society offers a wide range of elder care services at our Scottish Home. The Illinois Saint Andrew Society welcomes everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination.
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