By Kiara Damian
This year’s Scottish Fest attracted more than 20,000 people over a two day period, something that has never been seen before. Chieftain Tom Reoch Jr., of The United Scottish Society of Southern California (U.S.S.), and many volunteers worked together to ensure that the 82nd year of celebrating Scottish and Celtic heritage and culture was a memorable one.
This year’s Scottish Fest attracted more than 20,000 people over a two day period, something that has never been seen before. Chieftain Tom Reoch Jr., of The United Scottish Society of Southern California (U.S.S.), and many volunteers worked together to ensure that the 82nd year of celebrating Scottish and Celtic heritage and culture was a memorable one.
"It only gets better every year"
The Scottish Fest, or Highland Games as many call it, was first held in Southern California in 1932. It is unclear, however, where the exact location of the first Highland Games was because of incomplete records. Since then, this festival has moved all across Southern California, from Los Angeles to Santa Monica, and Long Beach to Pomona. The Orange County Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa has been the home of the Scottish Fest since 2008. Moving from city to city in Southern California has allowed the festival to attract people from all walks of life and from different parts of the world, even folks hailing from unexpected Alabama in an attempt to trace their Scottish heritage!
Movement however, has not been the only effective tactic used to attract more visitors. First Chieftain and Chairman of the United Scottish Society of Southern California, Ron Cody, states the purpose of organizing and presenting a Scottish festival is “to stimulate and encourage proficiency in traditional Scottish Activities” and only by “stabilizing a relationship between those who are in charge and volunteers” has this festival become such a great success. Mr. Cody is the Chieftain’s, Tom Reoch, right-hand man.
“We split all of the work of putting this event together,” he says, “in political terms, I suppose I am the Vice President of the Scottish Fest and make decisions if Tom is unable to or not present.”
He first became a member of the U.S.S. twelve years ago, and is proud and grateful to have been given the opportunity to be chairman and work with other members to present the Scottish Fest each year. He is especially thankful for having the opportunity to work with Reoch, who has been the Chieftain of the Scottish Fest for the past 10 years. “Tom has been great, and he’s really stabilized our management and has ensured that management works close with all volunteers,” he says, “ we want to have a relationship with everyone who works to create this festival because it’s just as important to them as it is to us.
“We split all of the work of putting this event together,” he says, “in political terms, I suppose I am the Vice President of the Scottish Fest and make decisions if Tom is unable to or not present.”
He first became a member of the U.S.S. twelve years ago, and is proud and grateful to have been given the opportunity to be chairman and work with other members to present the Scottish Fest each year. He is especially thankful for having the opportunity to work with Reoch, who has been the Chieftain of the Scottish Fest for the past 10 years. “Tom has been great, and he’s really stabilized our management and has ensured that management works close with all volunteers,” he says, “ we want to have a relationship with everyone who works to create this festival because it’s just as important to them as it is to us.
The 75th Scottish Fest was held in Pomona and was then thought of being one of their biggest celebrations. To their surprise however, the Scottish Fest has become bigger and bigger each year, with more visitors and attractions.
“We've really worked on our marketing,” Cody says.
The success of the festival has spread Scottish heritage and culture all across Southern California. With the festival’s 100th anniversary approaching Ron Cody hopes it is a great success.
“We’re not sure who will be around then," says Cody, "But we’re sure whoever it is, they’ll do their best to make it a great event.”
“We've really worked on our marketing,” Cody says.
The success of the festival has spread Scottish heritage and culture all across Southern California. With the festival’s 100th anniversary approaching Ron Cody hopes it is a great success.
“We’re not sure who will be around then," says Cody, "But we’re sure whoever it is, they’ll do their best to make it a great event.”