The 26^th Chesapeake Celtic Festival will be October 1 & 2 at Furnace Town Living Heritage Village.

Named "a beloved Eastern Shore tradition" by the Salisbury Daily Times, the Chesapeake Celtic Festival has become a favorite with local residents and also a tourist draw.

Festival founder and producer, Jeanne du Nord, says, "There is entertainment for all ages. There will be at least 3-5 activities going on at any one time. Tucked away in the ancient and vast Pocomoke Forest, Furnace Town is sealed away from time. The Living Heritage Village emerges from the mist like the legendary Brigadoon when the Chesapeake Celtic Festival transforms it each fall."

There will be parades, bagpipes, musical groups, dancing, comedy, storytelling, sheep herding by border collies, genealogy, clans, athletics, re-enactment groups, martial arts, craft demonstrations, cultural presentations, Flowers of the Forest Remembrance, Celtic wares, imported beers and historic ales, wine tasting , whiskey tasting, and Celtic and Chesapeake Culinary Delights. Taste some Celtic food and learn a few words in Gaelic.

Big Blow and the Bushwackers have re-grouped and will be back at the Festival after several years. The musical group Iona will have a dancer from Riverdance performing with them. Moch Preyderi, like Iona, will play music from Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Asturias, Galicia and Brittany, A fun pair - Pickin'and Grinnin' - will be the new additions. Dancers will be from the O'Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance.

For schedule and more information, go to celticfest.net. Furnace Town is handicap accessible and there is plenty of free parking. Hours are 11 – 5 each day. Daily admission is $15 for ages 19 and over; Age 4-18 $5; Age 3 and under free. Military (retired and current) $5. Visit www.celticfest.net for details or write to celticfest@comcast.net