While the town of McMinnville has neither Scottish not Celtic roots, founder William Newby derived the name from his hometown in Tennessee, whose moniker came from a Scot named McMinn. In time, the Oregon town came to celebrate its roots with the McMinnville Scottish Festival.
Set for Oct. 5-6 at the Yamhill County Fairgrounds, the festival is organized by the nonprofit Celtic Heritage Alliance and promises a connection with albeit-distant Scottish roots.
“This festival originated as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture …,” a release from the CHA said. “Certain aspects of the festival are well known and emblematic of Scotland, such as the bagpipes, the kilt and, of course, the Highland Games. Your family will also enjoy meeting Highland cows, visiting artisan craft and food vendors, live concerts, sheepherding demonstrations, competitions for Scottish dancing, piping and drumming and much more!”
The festival features everything from musical acts to musical workshops, Scotch tastings, Highland Games competitions, a British car show and live animal expositions.