Live SteelThe haggis is a traditional Scots dish memorialized as the national dish of Scotland by Robert Burns' poem 'Address to a Haggis' in 1787.

...Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind yer care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer
Gie her a haggis!

Robert Burns

Raised SwordsMembers of Clan Uisdean USA will re-enact Reverend Alexander Craighead’s November 11th, 1743, meeting of Covenanters that produced what became known as the Octorara Declaration. Rev. Alexander Craighead was an ordained pastor of the Donegal Presbytery, but he was also of New Side persuasion, a supporter of the Great Awakening, and a Covenanter. He was pastor of Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church from 1735-1741, when he was relieved of his duties by Presbytery. It caused such a split within his Old Side congregation that Middle Octorara was not able to call a regular pastor for 40 years.

For a time, Craighead roamed at will with fiery sermons in the company of the likes of George Whitefield. In 1743, at a meeting of Covenanters held on Middle Octorara property the group renewed their vows to the Covenants – the Octorara Declaration. They met on a hillside, likely near where the Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Church would be built 11 years later. The Covenanters declared George II unsuited to rule the colonies (not a Presbyterian), and swore with uplifted swords to guard “their bodies, property and consciences against all attacks; to defend Christ’s gospel and the Purity of the Church; to submit to no ruler who would not submit to Christ; and to defend their liberty from fears without and within.” This was radical talk at a time when few colonists would challenge the authority of the English king. The event weas a precursor of the American Revolution which happened decades later.

This re-enactment is dedicated to the preservation of the legacy of the families McCuistion, McCuiston, McQuiston, McQuistion, McQuesten, McChristian, McQuestion, McQueston and all variations thereof in the United States, who are descendants of Uisdean, son of Alexander McDonald, Lord of the Isles, Earl of Ross and Justiciar of the Highlands. Uisdean is also a descendant of Robert the Bruce, hero-king of Scotland.

Regimental Pipes DrumsThe band is a living history WWII era pipe and drum band inspired by the Black Watch of the 51st Highland Division in which they reenact piping and drumming victory parades of the North African and European Theaters. The band specializes in the piping, drumming styles and dress of this time period. They always seek to share and preserve this key history of the Second World War with all who are interested.
“Relive the Tunes of Glory!!!!”

Gene Sheninger and SheepLive Sheep Herding Demonstrations with Gene Sheninger of Wayside Farm. Gene will herd sheep & ducks (yes ducks)! Four shows throughout the day.

Veterans ServiceOne unique feature of the Annual Covenanter Scottish Festival is the historical significance of the location. Situated on the site of two colonial Presbyterian churches, with three cemeteries, we have a large number of veterans buried on the grounds. There are veterans from every major conflict that has been fought in North America, from the French and Indian Wars through to the first Gulf war, buried on these grounds. Each year, with the help of the Washington Memorial Pipe Band, the Scottish American Military Society, and all of the Clans and organizations, we honor one of these veterans.

2021 Veterans Service Schedule