In the Dutchess County Spotlight

On Sunday, September 30, the dramatic sweep of lawn from Staatsburgh State Historic Site to the Hudson River is filled with the colorful sights and unmistakable sounds of Celtic music and dancers, with fun planned for the entire family. The 27th annual Celtic Day in the Park hosts pipe bands, traditional dancing, kids' activities, crafts, food, vendors and fencing! So put on that kilt or plaid, load up the kids, call the relatives and make tracks for Staatsburgh State Historic Site. The festivities happen between 11am and 5pm, rain or shine, behind the beautiful Gilded Age mansion formerly occupied by the Mills family.

The rich dance and musical traditions of Celtic lands are represented by five regional bagpipe bands, as well as the Brigadoon's Show Band, the Braemar Dancers, Joanie Mac Irish Dancers, and Solas an Lae School of Irish Dance.

Other highlights of the day include the Haggis Hurl, the giant caber toss, the "Bonniest Knees Contest," sheep herding and shearing demos, live llamas, Clydesdale horses, clan tent displays,  and the Kevin Barry Irish Club Tent displaying Irish Crafts. Don't forget to visit the vendors offering food, beverages, crafts, music, clothing, and other wares.

Children can enjoy traditional storytellers, face painting, crafts and the ever popular "pennies in the hay" activity.

The program finale is a spectacular sight to behold: views of the Hudson River and the magnificent backdrop of the mansion stairs frame a parade of bagpipe bands, clan associations, and flags of the Celtic nations.

Admission to Celtic Day in the Park is $12. Children age 12 and younger are free. Staatsburgh State Historic Site is within Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park, on Old Post Road in Staatsburg, off of Route 9, halfway between Rhinebeck and Hyde Park. Call (845)889-8851 or see www.staatsburgh.org

The festival is sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and The Friends of Mills Mansion. The site is one of 13 parks and 6 historic sites administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - Taconic Region. For information about Staatsburgh or other New York State sites and parks visit www.nysparks.com .