Feature Article

ntering its 27th year this September, the Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highlands Festival has become one of the largest celebrations of Celtic culture in North America. Some contend it is the largest, but regardless of size, most agree about the event's quality-including USA Today, which recently rated it as one of the Top 10 Destination Events in the country. A nonprofit run largely by volunteers, the festival routinely attracts the world's top military ceremonial bands, and offers everything from jousting and athletic competitions to genealogy booths, living history exhibits and vendors.

A slogan for the festival boasts, "You will see more kilts, more dancing and more pipers than if you toured Scotland and Ireland—and you don't need a passport!"

That's certainly true, but if you're a dog lover, you may be interested to know that you will also see the world's largest formal gathering of dogs from the British Isles.

Added to the festival as an organized unit in 1983, the "Dogs of the British Isles" features the Grand March of Dogs, Herding Instinct Test, Terrier Races, Fun Match, exhibit booths and demonstrations of agility and obedience. The dogs are also part of the evening Tattoo Estes (the formal showcase of bands), making it the only military tattoo in the world to feature a dog presentation.

"The festival is not just the jousting or the pipe bands or the dogs—it's an exploration in the depth and breadth of the culture our ancestors brought with them when they immigrated to this country," says Dr. James A. Durward, the festival's founder and president. Pointing out that Celtic people have been dog-lovers for many centuries, Dr. Durward adds, "The dog unit is just as important as other parts of the festival because the breeds have played a prominent role in the [Celtic] culture."

Larry Vontz, founder of the dog unit and chairman until he retired two years ago, says of the dog's long history of service to their masters: "They defended the farm and castle, worked the herd, were able partners on hunts, and perhaps most importantly, they were companions and steadfast friends."

Of the 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, roughly 60 are indigenous to the British Isles, and these are well represented at the festival. While many breeds, such as the Labrador, Beagle and Collie, will be familiar to attendees, others are less well-known, such as the Clumber Spaniel and Otterhound. Visitors have the chance not only to see a wide variety of dogs-from tiny Yorkshire Terriers to giant Irish Wolfhounds-but also may touch and interact with them. "That's what makes this event so great," says Fred John, dog unit chairman. "It's very family-oriented."

Although dogs can earn ribbons in the Fun Match or Herding Instinct Test, or even take home the "Dog of the Festival" award, the Dogs of the British Isles is more about participation than prestige; you're not likely to witness the uptight, neurotic behavior portrayed in the movie "Best in Show." Fred John admits that some people do take the whole thing very seriously, but says, "Mostly, the attitude is relaxed. It's all about having fun."

The dog events are educational as well as entertaining, and that's another reason for their popularity. People are interested in learning where dogs came from and what they were bred to do. The exhibit booths provide extensive information about the breeds, and the exhibitors (mostly breed clubs) are more than happy to answer questions.

Those with mixed breeds at home can find it fascinating to discover that their humble mutt possesses noble or ancient origins. I have a Lab-Springer mix and learned that English Springer Spaniels probably originated in Spain and were introduced to the British Isles during the Roman invasion. They were called Springer Spaniels because they were bred to "spring," or flush, game birds. I also discovered that Labrador Retrievers actually came from Newfoundland, not Labrador.

The Grand March of Dogs, which follows Opening Ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday, is the weekend's must-see formal dog presentation. All dogs enter the field at once, then are presented with music and live narration about the breed's temperament, talents and background. Announcer Don Gilman explains, for example, that Irish Wolfhounds "were the hunting companions of ancient kings and queens," and when it's the Scottish Terriers' turn, he points out their "dignified air of self-awareness."

As the dogs strut around the field with their proud owners, children in the audience beam with delight, and those sitting on the grass can't resist reaching out to pet the dogs that come close. Following the presentation of breeds is a demonstration of human assistance dogs, showing some of the ways these specially trained dogs can help people with disabilities.

Another very popular part of the Dogs of the British Isles is the Herding Instinct Test. Here, the city dog has the opportunity to be tested for natural herding instinct. Dogs enter the arena with several sheep, while their owner and the judge encourage them to herd. Laura Tappero, chairperson of the event, says that only about half the dogs tested earn a certificate. Some dogs will have nothing to do with the animals, while others go right to work. "Some dogs are confused at first," explains Tappero. "They've been told at home not to chase the cat, and not to herd the kids, so it takes a little prodding before they realize that it's OK to chase the sheep."

The herding instinct is so strong, in fact, that it can produce humorous results. About six years ago during the herding demonstration at the tattoo, a sheep broke loose and entered the marching band. The Bearded Collie in charge went after it, bobbing and weaving through the musicians. The startled band kept their cool and continued to play while the audience howled with laughter. Festival founder Dr. Durward likens the Longs Peak Highlands Festival to "a piece of fabric with many strands woven together." One of the most colorful threads in this tapestry is certainly the Dogs of the British Isles.

Kelly Eastlund is a freelance writer based in Eugene, Ore.

Planning Your Trip

When and Where: The Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highlands Festival takes place September 4-7, 2003, at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds, Estes Park, Colo.

Prices and other information: www.scotfest.com; 800-90-ESTES.

Tickets: Available at the gates, regional Safeway stores (discounted) or online at www.scotfest.com.

Lodging: Rooms book fast; contact AAA for reservations as soon as possible.

Participating with your dog(s): Entry form and fees are required; fee includes an adult three-day gate pass. Only purebreds from the British Isles are eligible to enter. For more information, contact Fred John at 303-743-0182 or carousel1@worldnet.att.net.

Herding Instinct Test: Dogs must be entered in the festival to participate, and testing is an additional fee. Contact Laura Tappero at 303-937-1092 for more information.

Growing pains: The festival draws some 70,000 people annually. If you don't mind crowds, great. If so, consider going Sunday when it's less congested.

Weather: All dog events (and most other festival events) are held outdoors, rain or shine, so come prepared.

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