The Third Annual Gallup Celtic Festival, sponsored by The Friends of the Celts, was held at First United Methodist Church March 2nd and 3rd.  The more serious part of the program was Friday evening when Sr.Mary Frate (OSB) gave a talk on the Labyrinth as a meditation aid.  A Labyrinth was set up in one room and everyone was invited to "Walk with the Celts".    Saturday was given over to music, food and a variety of Celtic arts and crafts.  Michelle Buchanan of Vestments Designer Originals offered some beautiful period costumes and accessories, beside playing the harp and singing.  Richard Wilkie sang and told stories and Greg Collison and Gillian Mair offered ballroom dancing and led a group dance session.  The Raggle Taggle Gypsy Band (Dan and Jean McDermott) brought a selection of beautiful things from their Gypsy Wagon store, and entertained with several musical intruments.  The Dragon's Breath Welsh Singers sang songs from their heritage and Cathy Hollister played the Celtic lap harp.  The Friends of the Celts had their usual table with books and Celtic crafts.  There was a traditional corned beef and cabbage supper, Martin Link's Celtic tacos,  and many other good things to eat.
The Friends of the Celts would like to express their thanks to Albertsons, the Community Food Pantry, Safeway, and Wal-Mart for their generous support of this community event.
A particular tribute is due Betsy Windisch for all her work in making the whole event such a success, in this and previous years.

(Click the pictures to see a larger view.)

            Betsy                                Cathy Hollister                     Richard Wilke                          Masters of
           Windisch                         Michele Buchanan                         Bard                                   the Feast

        Michele Buchanan                Gypsy Wagon &                     Dragon's Breath                  Greg Collison
         Harpist, Singer,                   the Raggle Taggle                     Welsh Singers                     Gillian Mair
        Period Costumer                    Gypsies

            Book and Craft                        Harps and                           Group Dancing
                Sale                                Hammered Dulcimer
 

                                Fashion Show of Vestments Label costumes by Michele Buchanan
                        Vestments costumes will be carried by Gypsy Wagon Celtic & More Store