Schools Day Returns in 2008

On Friday March 7th, the Celtic Faire will open for school field trips. Our schools day is geared towards elementary and middle school age students, and public, private, and home schools are welcome.

Schools day is a bit different than the normal weekend faire. During schools day, there will be a number of educational talks and demonstrations for you to see. Food is available, or bring your own, and some of the faire's vendors will be open with age appropriate wares. Some of what we'll have is highlighted to the right.

Schools Day opens at 9am and goes until 2pm. Groups are free to arrive and leave on their own schedule, but there is a lot to see and do so the more time you have the better. Cost is $5 per student, with up to 1 chapparone for every 10 students free (or $5 after that). Home schoolers are welcome. Pre-registration is required. If you're interested, contact Lissa Brit at schools@SonoraCelticFaire.com.

Pictures from Schools Day Past

Here are some highlights of the many Schools' Day Attractions

The Village Blacksmith Michel Olson and Christy Horne are the husband and wife team who have History Ringing in the ears of audiences all over the Western US. Combining Fabulous Storytelling with Live Anvil Accompaniment-They have come up with a unique form of "Edutainment" for the entire family. The Village Blacksmith has entertained crowds all over, and we're very lucky to have them signed up to do three shows for a school's program. It's really quite a treat. You can visit them at poundiron.com.

Golden Bough ~ Traditional Music Rooted in the traditional Celtic music of Ireland and Scotland, Golden Bough is a favorite of Celtic music fans everywhere. For over 20 years they've been bringing their music into the schools, through assemblies and family festivals. You can read a little bit about their schools program here or more about the band here.

Knight's and Armor Demo Talk to an armored knight about the history of armor and medieval weapons. Always popular and educational too. We're still hashing out the details, but we hope to get the jousters to do some demos on horseback as well. Perhaps the spear throw or the quintain. Our new Sonora location has a great arena with covered seating to boot! Check back for updates.

Stanislaus County Irish Pipe Band The Stanislaus County Irish Pipe Band is a new band based in Modesto, made up of experienced pipers. The band takes in beginners, charging nothing to them for lessons, and took in some members from the much missed "Mother Lode Pipe Band." The band plays a lot of Irish tunes both modern and ancient. The pipe major is Gary Speed. As an added bonus and a little Celtic Faire history, band member Phil McGill helped us start the Celtic Faire schools' program years ago and will be back the the Faire with the new band.