By Ray Pearson

“I love coming to this event. It’s like taking my tummy on a tour of foreign countries. The desserts are my favorite”, gushed 10-year old Ernie Ripko, from Southern California, at last year’s Arizona Highland Celtic Festival. Celtic snacks, entrees, and desserts are the culinary main attractions at this annual event. This year’s festival takes place July 16 and 17 at Foxglenn Park in Flagstaff.

For the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society, Celtic (“kel-tik”) refers to a celebration of the culture of eight regions in Western Europe, created in Roman times. In today’s world, they are the countries of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the regions of Cornwall (England), Brittany (France), Asturias and Galicia (both in Spain), and the Isle of Man.

 

 

“It’s very important to us that our food vendors present authenticity and the highest quality of foods representing the Celtic regions”, says Jude McKenzie, president of the society.

Available to festival goers is a variety of hearty meat and shepherd’s pies, sausage rolls, corned beef, beef burgers from the shaggy, long-horned Highland “coos”, and shrimp, chicken, or fish, all served with a side of chips (French fries). The Scottish conundrum known as haggis is also available. Despite major eye-rolling of (usually uninformed) naysayers, haggis is a tasty, hash-like meat dish (best enjoyed with a single malt Scotch). When it comes to those desserts young Ernie is so fond of, he’s in good company. Welsh cakes, cooked on a griddle and served warm, are made in various flavors including raisin, cinnamon, and lemon, topped with sugar. Shortcake, a cousin of Scottish shortbread, is served with strawberries and whipped cream. Reminiscent of the way special ice cream treats that are served throughout the UK, the ice cream vendor serves soft ice cream with tangy flavors, colorfully swirled around the outside of the cone or dish.

When it comes to beverages, McKenzie lights up. “We believe we are the only Celtic festival that serves alcoholic beverages representing all eight regions. At two locations on the field, we present ‘Spirits of the Celtic Regions’, served by knowledgeable staff.” Whiskies, wines and brandy represent most of regions. Perhaps the most unusual drink comes from the Isle of Man. ManX Spirit is actually a proprietary blend of various Scotch and Irish whiskies, with the color removed. Three different Irish beers, along with soft drinks, round out the drinks available at the festival.

 Click here for more information about the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival such as location, hours, and activities.