July 13, 2011
March 19, 2014
Vol 13 No 28
Scotland to Visit St. Charles
Recipes
11
Ribs to the Rescue
Around Town
4
The Great Pi Race
42nd Highlanders bagpipers perform at the Missouri Tartan Days
Photo courtesy of Missouri Tartan Days
Learn, experience and taste what Scotland has to offer without renewing your passport If you’ve ever seen the musical Brigadoon or listened to the angry rants of one Scrooge McDuck, Scotland usually conjures images of burly, kilt-clad men, hugging bagpipes in a mysterious faraway land. Well once a year, in our very own backyard, the “heather on the hill” comes to life and brings with it all of the adventure and history of Scotland itself. Missouri Tartan Day is a Scottish heritage event held each April on the banks of the Missouri River in St. Charles’ own Frontier Park. Now in its 14th year, Tartan Day is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States, hosting approximately 30,000-40,000 attendees over each three-day event. This year’s event on April 4, 5 and 6, features cultural dancing, storytelling, heritage research, bagpiping, food, crafts and heavy athletics. “This event continues to support our mission to promote Scottish and Scottish-American heritage and culture in the region,” says Shawn Steadman, chairman of Missouri Tartan Day Festivities. “We are proud to present this event as a part of the St. Charles community and we hope to continue to generate additional support from the community as well.” Tartan Day celebrations around the country commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, signed on April 6, 1320, which is a declaration of
Scottish independence from England and all other ruling nations. Some historians and politicians claim that the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on the Declaration of Arbroath. Although it has faced their fair share of challenges, the St. Charles event continues to attract attendees from all over the region. “Having our event in the early spring means we can face every type of weather Missouri presents,” Steadman said. “We’ve had rain storms, tornadoes, wind, and hail. But on the other hand, we’ve also had beautiful, cool, sunny days and super-hot weather too. And the people always come out. We always manage to have a great time no matter what the weather.” The Missouri Tartan Day organization relies heavily on fundraisers and community support to fund the event each year. While the organization does receive funds from community and civic organizations, the event is largely self-sustaining. “We receive consideration from several community and civic organizations in the form of donations and grant funding, but the benefits from our own fundraisers and general supporters of the Scottish heritage community is what really keeps us afloat,” notes Steadman. “And the volunteers as well; we couldn’t manage without them. And we hope our event serves the commu-
nity in kind.” Some of this year’s highlights include local and regional bagpipe bands, Highland dancing showcases, a Scottish storyteller called a Seanachie (pronounced SHAWN-a-key) Scottish cuisine (think haggis), kids educational activities and a tried-and-true musical favorite, the Scottish rock band, Mother Grove. Admission to Missouri Tartan Days is free. All events are family friendly and open to the general public. Gates open at 5pm on Friday, April 4, and at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6.
Business
7
Lighting Rebate for St. Joseph’s West
School
8
Missouri Glory Awards
Mr. Peabody & Sherman photo courtesy of DreamWorks Animation
Movie
9 FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com