Scottish and Celtic heritage festival held in Doddridge County

WEST UNION, W.Va. (WBOY) — Doddridge County Park saw several hundred visitors on Saturday for the annual Mountain State Scottish and Celtic Gathering to celebrate the European roots of early West Virginia settlers.

Program Director of Doddridge County Parks and Recreation John Snider said that as many as 75%-80% of native West Virginians can trace their ancestry back to the Scotts and Celts who migrated to Appalachia during the 18th century and that the festival is meant to help their descendants get more in touch with their roots.

“Historically, when [Scottish and Celtic settlers] came to the United States, they weren’t real popular in most of the metropolitan areas, and our topography reminded them a lot of home, so they came here,” Snider said.

But, the event isn’t just about old history. The Mountain State Scottish and Celtic Gathering had live music and dance performances as well as a slew of middle and high school girl’s rugby games, a sport Snider said is slowly but steadily growing in north central West Virginia. The first middle school rugby team in West Virginia as well as the first West Virginia high school girls rugby team were both in attendance at the festival competing against teams from other states.

Many people also competed in the “heavy games,” a weight-throwing competition (depicted above). The weights are weighed by “stones,” a traditional English measurement that equals about 14 pounds; competitors tested their strength by throwing one, two and three-stone weights as far or as high as possible.

At noon the Doddridge County Humane Society held a dog show where dogs were dressed up in costumes and showcased to attendees to help get them adopted. Crafters selling honey and handmade goods also had their stalls set up for people to browse.

The day ended with the ceremonial cutting of the haggis and an award show for the heavy games and rugby matches.

If you’re looking for more upcoming events, Doddrige County Park will open its pool for the season on Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m. The park’s event calendar can be found here .

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