WORTH THE DRIVE by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Salado Chamber of Commerce and Salado Museum.
Scots, Strolls... Salado! I
n 2016, a major project on IH-35 threatened the small, historic town of Salado just north of Jarrell, endangering local businesses with the construction that made it no easy feat to get into town. “Salado bounced back and has grown exponentially in the last five years,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Organ says. “We get calls from people who haven’t been to Salado in a long time, wondering how the town is doing. It’s doing well, you should come check it out.” Each holiday season, thousands of visitors do just that during the Scottish Gathering and Highland Games as well as a Stroll that lights up the town with the sights and sounds of Christmas.
SCOTTISH GATHERING The Scottish Gathering has been, literally, strong for 62 years, but organizers have only recently been able to get the message out that the festival of learning and fun is open to everyone, no matter their ethnicity. "Come to the 62nd Scottish Gathering and Highland Games in Salado, Texas and step back in time to the world of ancient Scotland," says Lynette McCain-Jones, executive director of the Salado Museum and College Park. "Listen to the skirl of bagpipes and voices raised in ancient Scottish song. See men in kilts, the famous Caber Toss, and all the pageantry of Scotland." From November 10-12, the celebration of all things Scottish will feature a Calling of the Clans torchlight ceremony, highland games, music and dancing, Celtic vendors, a Scottish dog parade and costume contest, a Bonniest Knees contest, and clans from all over the U.S. who will enlighten listeners on Scottish history and genealogy. Scan the code or visit saladomuseum.org for the events schedule and ticket information. Ticket proceeds will support the Salado Museum and College Park.
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N O V E M B E R 2023 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
