The 28th Sonora Celtic Faire is coming and tickets are on sale right now.
Festivities begin on Friday, March 7 at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.
After 28 fantastic years the original and largest Celtic Faire has expanded to three full days of entertainment fun. Gates open at 9 a.m. for Celtic Family Day on March 7. This special feature includes six hours of non-stop action, entertainment, and education for all ages.
A low-ticket price of $10 for adults and $5 for children will be offered for this day only. School groups, home-schooled children, and the general public are always encouraged to attend this special event that is always alcohol free.
Celtic Family Day entertainment will include Thomas Woods fire juggler, Viking Warriors battling, Scottish bagpipers, Irish and Scottish dancers, the Imperial Knights Jousting Show, Black Irish Band, and hundreds of costumed Celtic performers and craftsmen re-enacting Celtic history. Many food and drink vendors will be open for families, or groups can bring their own food.
The Friday Night kick-off concert features Celtic Rock by the groups 1916 and Banshee in the Kitchen at a cost of $15, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Faire continues with performances, food, music and fun both Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9.
Featured musical performances will include Celtic/Rock/Traditional: performed by the fire rocking band, Celtica. This six-member group takes the Scottish bagpipe to a new level. Other groups include the 1916, Tempest, Black Irish Band, Black Eyed Dempsey’s, Golden Bough, Stand Easy, Banshee in the Kitchen, and Cooking with Turf. Scottish Bagpipe bands include the Stag & Thistle Pipe Band, Ripon Irish Police Pipe Band, Clan dish Pipe Band, plus many others.
Non-musical attractions include Scottish and Irish Clans, belly dance troupes, Scottish and Irish Step dancers, Celtic Windows in Time – featuring 700 costumed re-enactors and 3000 years of Celtic history – armored foot combat, archery, street performers, and a jousting show by the Imperial knights. Other highlights include a large Celtic food court and Celtic marketplace with 80 Celtic vendors, artisans, and craftsmen.
On Saturday the festival opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Tickets are $22 advance or $25 at gate. On Sunday the gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Cost is $18 in advance or $20 at gate.
The faire will offer a special ‘Everything Celtic Faire’ pass for $50, and the pass is good for all three days along with the Friday night kick-off party and celebration. All tickets can be purchased on-line at [http://www.sonoracelticfaire.com<http://www.sonoracelticfaire.com/]www.sonoracelticfaire.com<http://www.sonoracelticfaire.com/>
