Copyright © 2008-2012 Sonora Celtic Faire
Original & largest Celtic Faire returns to Sonora!
Celebrating the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, and all Celtic Nations with the 26 Annual Sonora
Celtic Faire located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds.
Sonora- America's original Celtic Faire, featured on National Geographic Television, returns to the Mother Lode
Fairgrounds on March 9-11th, 2012. The 26th Annual Sonora Celtic Faire will expand to three days of never
ending Celtic entertainment. The largest gathering of Celtic musicians will be one of the highlights at this year's
event, from high-energy Celtic rock bands to the most traditional of groups. With 20 musical groups, performing
on five stages, the faire offers something to every age and ear!
This year's music lineup will feature world class Scottish Bagpiper, John McLean Alan and his Celtic-Rock band
"Stand Easy". Other groups include the world famous Wicked Tinkers, along with the 1916 Irish Band, the Black
Eyed Dempsey's, and Whiskey & Stitches Band. For the traditional Celtic Music lover, the faire offers an
assortment of performers that include the Black Irish Band, Stout Rebellion, Golden Bough, Sequoia Celtic Band,
Stage & Thistle Pipe Band, Ripon Irish Pipe Band, Clanddish Pipe Band, Scott Williams, Aryeh Franfurter, and
many others!
From National Geographic Television to the History Channel, featured performances:
In 2011 the Sonora Celtic Faire was featured on National Geography's "Knights of Mayhem" TV show. This
year's faire will showcase The Imperial Knights, whose Member Mike Edward is featured on a new History
Channel program titled- (Full Metal Joust). Knights again will dress in full armor and ride their warhorses in battle
to see who will be the champion of Sonora. Other heavy metal events will also take place throughout the
weekend with the addition of Competition Scottish Highland Games and The Gypsy Time Travelers (Celtic
Blacksmith).
More non-stop entertainment for everyone which includes: Scottish & Irish Clans, belly dance troupes, Scottish
dancers, Irish Step dancers, Celtic Windows in Time-, (featuring 600 costumed re-enactors and 2500 years of
Celtic History), armored foot combat, Welsh longbow archery, street performers, a giant, a fire breathing dragon,
Vikings, jugglers, and a fire eater. Other highlights include the large Celtic food court and Celtic marketplace, with
80 Celtic vendors, artisans, and crafts persons. A special feature at the faire this year will be the Scot's &
Irish-Whiskey Competition. The best single malts and blends will be sampled and judged by the festival goers.
The faire will also offer a large tavern offering Guinness, Harp, and other fine Celtic imports on-tap!
All this Celtic fun begins on Friday March 9th, (9am-3pm) with Celtic Family Day. This special offering is full of
many attractions, featured musical entertainment, educational demonstrations, and a championship joust. Designed
especially for the entire family, this event will not offer alcohol for purchase. (Tickets are $5 for children and $10
for adults.)
2012 Celtic Faire general information:
Saturday March 10th, (10am -10pm), tickets are $ 20.advance/ $25.gate.
Sunday March 11th, (10am-5pm), tickets are $18.advance/ $20.gate.
For either day, children's tickets (ages 6-12) are always $10.00
(5 and under are free).
A special Friday Night Kick-Off Party, which starts at 7pm, will feature many Celtic
bands and dancers at the festivals large pub tavern, cost $15
The Everything Ticket Pass will be offered for all events, all three days for only $50.
Like always, the faire will offer great parking and shuttle bus service from the Sonora
Walmart though downtown Sonora to the fairgrounds!
For more information about entertainment and general information contact:
Patrick Michael Karnahan- 209-743-1565 or blackirish28@hotmail.com
For lodging call the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau at 800-446-1333
Need pictures and bios--go to www.sonoracelticfaire.com
Lodging Sponsors
Cen-Cal Beverage Co.
Our Sponsors for 2012
For More Info And Press Pages
Go to the News Room