By Paige Nash
Iron your kilts, tune your bagpipes, grab a lawn chair and bring them to Miller Quarters Park for the 21st Annual Scottish Tartan Festival this Saturday, April 22.
Even though this is the 21st year of the festival, it will be their first year at this new location. In previous years the event was held at the Scotland Farms located on Highway 518, property owned by Dr. Alan Cameron- a longtime supporter of the festival.
The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) has been making preparations at the park- bush hogging and cleaning up tree lines. WPCVC Executive Director Serena Gray said, “They have more than enough room out there to set up everything they have had out at Dr. Cameron’s property. It’s actually a little better because they are going to have running water and electricity.”
Another feature new to the festival will be loads of accessible parking and shuttle buses.
“We are using two shuttle buses dedicated just to our festival that day,”said Sheila Hoh, President of Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands. “They will be running all day long from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This is for people who might not be able to find a parking space close, and they don’t want to walk very far to get to the gate.”
Festival goers will be able to easily find the designated parking areas.
Gray said, “All of these locations will have signage that says “EVENT PARKING.” Roadside Main Street and Broadway parking spots will also be available. We ask that our visitors be respectful of our local businesses and not utilize their parking spaces or block driveways.”
This day will be packed full of events happening all day including demonstrations, entertainment, contests, vendors, food and more.
“It is one of the most cultural experiences I have ever experienced in all the festivals I have attended in Louisiana,” said Gray. “They are very proud of their heritage and want others to get excited too.”
The WPCVC has secured parking at the following locations:
- The parking lot at the corner of Sheppard Street and Sibley Road will be available for parking and a shuttle will run from there to the park from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last shuttle will make its final return to the parking area at 5:00 pm.
- Webster Parish Police Jury parking lots on Main Street
- Johnson Law Firm parking lot on the corner of Pine Street and Main Street
- Webster Parish Courthouse parking lot on Pine Street
- Minden Civic Center parking lot between Main Street and Broadway Street
- Capital One parking lot on Pearl Street and Broadway Street
- Minden City Hall parking lot on the corner of Broadway and E. Union Street
- Gibsland Bank and Trust parking lot on the corner of Broadway and E. Union Street
Tickets to the Scottish Tartan Festival will be sold at the gate. They will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-11. Those 5 and under will get in free.
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