Nessie's back!

Join Nessie, the friendly LochNess monster, at the ALLNEWColorado Scottish Festival, August 8-9, 2009.

The festival will open at 9 a.m. on August 8 and go until 10 p.m. All day long, your senses will be dazzled with bagpipe band competitions, the great Highland athletes throwing the caber (telephone pole), dozens of colorful clans, the Dogs of the British Isles, children's games, sheep-herding demonstrations, genealogy information, historic re-enactments, food, drink and vendors, Scottish Highland dancing, Scottish country dancing and Irish step-dancing.

Then at 5:30 p.m., sit back with a cold drink and be part of the audience to judge a Hot Piping Contest featuring some of the top pipers in the U.S. Then immerse yourself in Celtic music with performances by the celebrated group Oceans Apart and internationally known Irish fiddler/singer Seamus Connolly. Finally, enjoy a dramatic ending to the day as you and Nessie enjoy "Under a Blood Red Sky" with the U2 Tribute Band.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. each day at Highlands Heritage Park, 9651 South Quebec St. in Highlands Ranch, just two miles south of C-470. Parking is free, as are children 6 and under. Group discounts are available.