The Kiroli Foundation is excited to announce the annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic
Festival (NELA Celtic Fest) will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
Lazarre Park, located on the Ouachita River in the South Riverfront Cultural District. Admission for this
family-friendly event is $5 per person for those 3 years old and up.
The NELA Celtic Fest is the longest-running festival still in existence in Ouachita Parish. The festival
seeks to preserve the rich Celtic heritage, traditions, and lore of Northeast Louisiana.
The Highland Games will be returning this year, thanks to sponsor Century Next Bank. This highly
entertaining athletic tradition is over 1,000 years old and is rooted in the Gaelic spirit. Professional
athletes will travel from all over the country to compete in six disciplines: The Caber Toss, Weights for
Distance, Weights for Height, Heavy Hammer, Stone Put, and Sheaf Toss.
Registration is also open to amateurs to compete in the Highland Games. Individuals who excel in
powerlifting, CrossFit, or other athletic disciplines are all encouraged to participate. Backyard
Rebellion, the Highland Games organization overseeing the games, will be providing free
demonstrations and mini-coaching sessions on-site. There is no fee to register. Registration
information can be found on the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Facebook Page.
The festival will feature various performances including Avoca Irish band, James Linden Hogg, the
Thistle Dancers and Pipers, Emerald Accent, Red River Pipes & Drums, and Mandolin State.
The Children’s Glen, sponsored by Melanie Massey Physical Therapy and MoJoy Studio, will feature
children’s activities throughout the day including face painting, inflatable jumpers and special
performances. The area will include youth Highland Games sponsored by Banner Ford of Monroe and
organized by New Iona Church.
Demonstrations such as dog herding, Highland Cows and miniature horses, a Falcon and Hawk
demonstration, and other family friendly activities will be on-site for festival-goers to enjoy. In
addition, numerous artists, crafters and food vendors will be selling Celtic-themed and handmade
items.
Flying Heart Brewing and Pub will be selling various beers on-tap at the festival for attendees 21 years
old and up. Choice Brands will present a sampling of fine Whiskey and Spirits with proceeds benefitting
the Kiroli Foundation. The fee to participate in the tasting will be $20 per adult 21 and over with a valid
ID.
For more information about the festival or for a schedule of performances, please visit the Northeast
Louisiana Celtic Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NELACelticFest
