North Georgia Celtic Festival returns to Gainesville
By by Ken Stanford
Posted 10:45AM on Tuesday, July 29, 2003
GAINESVILLE - Celtic music will fill the air and knights in armor will battle for honor again this weekend in Gainesville.<br>
<br>
The Second Annual North Georgia Celtic Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 & 3, at the Georgia Mountains Center in downtown Gainesville and outdoors at the adjoining Roosevelt Square. <br>
<br>
Live musical performances featuring regional Celtic and folk artists will be held throughout the event on indoor and outdoor stages. <br>
<br>
The festival will be a celebration of Irish, Scottish, Welsh and British heritage, and will include live bands, dance troupes, vendors of Celtic arts and crafts, and a variety of other entertainment, including Medieval combat reenactment. Irish and American food and beer will be available at the "Ballybunion Pub", which will feature a stage for "session" music - the Celtic equivalent of a "jam session". Medieval combat demonstrations by knights in armor will be performed by members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.<br>
<br>
The Celtic festival has been expanded to include two days this year because of last year's success, according to organizers. Last year's event drew a crowd of more than 1,000. <br>
<br>
Admission for an all day ticket will be $10 adults and $6 for youth, students and seniors. Two day passes will cost $15 for adults and $10 youth/students/seniors. <br>
<br>
Children 6 and under will be admitted free of charge! Advanced tickets can be purchased at discounted rates on the internet at http://www.emeraldrose.com/ngfest