The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival has been a highlight of September in Estes Park for 44 years; with Celtic Music, Ethnic Dancing, Bag Pipe Bands, Scottish Highland Athletics, representatives of many Clans.

In the early 1970's Estes Park was like most mountain towns relying on summer tourism with ended with Labor Day weekend.  44 years ago the festival's  founder, a resident of Estes Park, had a vision to extend the fall season to the valley.  He started this festival recognizing that September was a beautiful time for people to come to the mountains and with the perfect temperature, all that was needed was an event.  And the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival came into being.  Over the years this Festival has become the most attended event in Estes Park.
The festival has run into some difficulties for 2020.  The event followed all the rules and recommendations that the local, county and state requested, applying for the required variance through the county health department, providing all the requested information.  On July 30, the festival was informed that the variance request was denied. We were told we could have a maximum of 175 people, compared to the usual guests that usually attend. With this restriction the festival will only be able to host the Highland Games.  The festival has been able to survive several down turns over the 44 years, but nothing like this, it is in a very vulnerable situation to see its 45th year. 

  
The festival has managed to stay afloat since the shut down, utilizing the available government loans for payroll and planning, but with no revenue coming in and with the county shutting the majority of the festival down, we are concerned with our ability to even repay these loans, much less prepare for 2021.   
This particular festival has provided an important cultural and educational experience for 44 years, we need your help to keep this event going for the 45th year. 
Your support will allow us to continue to provide the culture experience in 2021 and forward into the future.