Payson Scottish Festival Association and Festival Info

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The Association actually organized about a year before the first Festival which took place in 1984 in conjunction with the Payson Onion Days. Admission has always been free (thanks to the City of Payson).

Vendors start arriving early Thursday morning to set up and prepare for business at the start of the Festival on Friday evening - a Strong Man Contest on the athletic field and a Ceilidh (kay-lee) at the bandstand.

Entrants in Strong Man Contest participate in the Payson Stones carry, a Keg Toss and a Log Press. At the Bandstand, performers and dancers share their talents and regale the crowd with Celtic music, song, and dance.

Saturday events begin early in the morning and continue through the day until evening. From morning to evening the sound of the pipes resound through the park as the pipers and bands practice and compete.

At 10:00 AM, Opening Ceremonies take place on the Parkview Elementary Playing Fields, across 300 South, with all the bands and clans participating. 

During the day, one can view the vendor's booths where all things Scottish and Celtic can be found. The folks in the clan booths are happy to share their knowledge about their clan and its history. There are bandtand performances to enjoy all day Saturday.

Occasionally you will hear a mighty roar from the athltic field as an athlete makes an impressive toss or throw. In the Parkview Elementary Autitorium the tartan is flying as young men and women compete in the Highland Dance competitions. 

Hinger and thirst can be satisfied at the various food booths most of whom sell familiar food and drink. If you care to try something new and different, there are a few food vendors who sell Scottish delicasies asuch as Scotch Pies, Scotich Eggs, Haggis and Fish & Chips.

At 6:30 PM closing ceremonies take place on the Parkview Elementary playing fields across 300 South. The bands play as they march onto the field then stand at attention as the winners of the various competitions are announced. A lone piper plays Amazing Grace as the Flowers of the Forest list of names is read. (Flowers of the Forest are those who have passed on since our last Festival.) Finally, the bands play as they march off the field leaving you filled with memories and hunger for next year's Payson Scottish Festival. 

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