Loch Lomond Celtic Society Educates Community

St. Patrick’s Day means many different things to many different people. It might mean going to see young people perform the traditional folk dance of Ireland. For a majority of Americans, Irish and non-Irish alike, it is a day to celebrate the Irish. A day for green beer, Irish car bombs, corned beef and cabbage, and, well, wearing green. 

But for those who wish to dig a little deeper into the traditions of Ireland and the Celtic society at large, the Loch Lomond Celtic Society (LLCS) is a good resource. Although the LLCS is not hosting any particular event on St. Patrick’s Day, the group is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating the San Lorenzo Valley about the history, music, art and culture of the Celtic nations, which include Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Galicia.

The best part is that all are welcome to join and take part in the events put on by the society, regardless of their ancestry. 

“I joined to belong to a group that has similar interests as I do, in Celtic music of all times, as well as Celtic costume and culture—it’s all so unique,” said Rebecca Brooks, treasurer of the LLCS. “I don’t know if I have a clan or what part of Ireland my ancestors are from, but to me, [the LLCS] is like another clan.” 

The next event the LLCS has planned will be an educational talk by Scott Peden. After his talk, people will be able to look up their family’s surnames and trace the migrations of Celtic people using historical maps. Peden will help people look for meanings and origins and possibly associate these with parts of Europe or Great Britain. 

“The Celtic Society is getting back into more presentations and programs to educate the community about all Celtic heritages,” said the society’s chief, Connie Barr. Barr was one of the founders of the society, which formed back in 1997.

“It was originally going to be a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce at that time. It turned out that it became bigger and stronger than that one fundraiser, and it became its own independent 501(c)(3),” Barr said of the organization.

Garth Duncan, the man who spearheaded the mission statement and really was the guiding force in creating the society, now operates a jewelry shop in Skye, Scotland. 

Meanwhile, there is a lot to look forward to from the Loch Lomond Celtic Society. In addition to more educational events, the LLCS will have its Highland Games at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in June. Originated thousands of years ago, Highland Games is named after the Highlands of Scotland—coincidentally the LLCS’s games were held at Highland Park in Ben Lomond in the past. At the games, you can expect a healthy dose of traditional Celtic music, dance, costumes and traditional athletic competitions—like seeing how far one can throw a telephone pole-sized log. 

The Celtic Surnames event is Saturday, March 26, from 2-5 p.m. at the Satellite in Felton, 6265 Highway 9, next door to Don Quixote’s. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 831-457-6716.