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 members are
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 soon to be History Channel
reality television stars, 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 craftspersons. 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 festivalgoers. 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
Wal-mart 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
by Patrick Michael Karnahan--Media Relations
SPONSORED BY CEN-CAL BEVERAGE COMPANY & BLACK
OAK CASINO
Lodging Sponsors
Cen-Cal Beverage Co.
Our Sponsors for 2012
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