The Culture

Throughout the centuries, the tradition and charm behind the music, dance and stories of the Celtic peoples have captivated the world. The contributions of the Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Bretons, and Galecians/Asturians not only fill libraries and castles but also pubs, homes and our hearts. The Celtic Fling & Highland Games, as an unbridled celebration of Celtic Culture, offers a first-hand tour of these compelling cultures as it salutes both traditional and contemporary Celtic heritage.

Centuries before the X-Games took to the airwaves, the Scots were testing themselves in the most demanding athletic events in the world. The skills used in military and farm life became tests of the strength of Scottish warriors as Clans pitted their champions against each other at Highland gatherings. The Fling continues that great tradition on Saturday with its Highland Athletic Games sanctioned by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Scottish Athletics, whose judges operate under the original rules of the Scottish Stewards Association.

Men and women compete in the Clachneart, the 2 & 4 stone weight toss, the Scottish Hammer, the Caber Toss, the Sheaf Toss, and the 4 Stone Weight Throw for Height. Competitors are assigned points according to their placement in each event. The athlete with the best overall combined performance earns the title “Athlete of the Day.” So recognized, the Athlete Of The Day earns an automatic berth in the East Coast Championships in Alexandria, Virginia, and in the coveted North American Highland Games Championship in Richmond, Virginia in October. The Athlete is also presented a symbolic Highland Claymore sword.

On Sunday, join Terry McFadden as he hosts a Highland Games demonstration and test of skill. Volunteers are encouraged to join in on the competitions in Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss and Tug of War! Champions will be rewarded with great Mount Hope prizes.

“The objectives of a Gathering of the Clans of the Highlands are: to foster clan sentiment and spirit, to cultivate and develop clanship and friendly relations among its members, to maintain, encourage and foster the Highland Scot’s cultural heritage through the education of members, its young people, and the public in general.” - Clan Lamont

Celtic folk frequently use the term “clan,” but no specific definition of the term is accepted by all authorities. The word itself is Gaelic for “children” and was also used as an equivalent for “family.” Regardless, a clan is considered to be a group of families that are affiliated by geography or marriage or political necessity.

You'll find many clans and societies at the Celtic Fling. Visit, look up your surname, and become familiar with the worthwhile missions the clans and societies maintain!

Among the groups represented you will find:

• Adopt-A-Setter
• Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Brendan's Division
• Clan Boyd
• Clan Campbell
• Clan Donald
• Clan Scott
• Clan MacAlister
• Greyhound Rescue
• Joe Callahan Irish Cultural Memorial Fund
• Mid-Atlantic Great Dane
• Susquehanna Folk Music Society
• CCC Celt

Visit the Clans section again soon to see new updates and additions.

One of the most popular ways for Irish musicians of all levels and abilities to gather, swap tunes and hone their craft is the "session," which generally takes place in an informal pub setting on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. While sessions may seem unstructured to the outside observer, they are typically led by a seasoned, respected musician in the community who guides the tune selection and the play of those who join in. This largely post-WWII era phenomenon in Irish culture is a wonderful way to ensure the music of the past will live on for generations to come. Join us for the 2nd Annual Celtic Fling Session. We are delighted to have traditional Irish musicians from the greater Eastern and Central PA regions joining us to share this dynamic "an traidisiúm beo" (living tradition) with you, our Fling patrons.

The Session location and time is still yet to be determined, please check back with us to learn more.

Be certain to experience what early life was like in Celtic society as the Irish Encampment, Campa na BhFiann with Mike Haarstick and friends, sets up camp and lives life of centuries ago on the Celtic Fling fairgounds for the weekend.

The Art of Chain Mail Legends & Lore Storytelling Stage 6:00pm both Saturday & Sunday Join Mike Haarstick as he brings to life the ancient art of chain mail armoring, demonstrating from beginning to end the creation of chain mail, utilizing the equipment needed to create mail and the intricate technique of knitting it together.

Long before the encyclopedia and the internet, people learned their culture's legend and lore through the ancient art of story telling. Storytellers, or seannachies (shawn-ah-kies), were a revered part of Celtic societies. Their job was to impart their knowledge of the past, passing on tales and folklore for generations to come. We are pleased to present, once again, modern practitioners of this venerable custom, who will educate and entertain you with yarns woven from times gone by.

• Marie Winger
• Tethera
• Danaher & MacCloud
• Ed Miller
• Mike Haarstick

In 1992, Ed Ward, Milwaukee Irish Fest founder, created the Irish Music Archives to collect sound recordings and reference materials in order to promote and preserve Irish music in all its forms. The Celtic Fling welcomes the Ward Irish Music Archives "History of Irish Rock" this weekend. Learn the history of Irish rock from its origins to present day. Don't miss it.

The stone toss at the Games.

Clan Scott in the Clan Parade.

A look at the "Session".

Danaher & MacCloud at storytelling.