Listen for the plaintive skirl of the bagpipes! Did you know the Celts invented Halloween? You can wear your best plaid or dress as your favorite Outlander character at Scots-tober Fest and Outlander Day Saturday, Oct. 28 at Red Mountain Branch, 635 N. Power Road.
The Caledonian Society of Phoenix will be on hand with information about Scottish genealogy, dance, travel and culture. Meanwhile, Outlander Day will celebrate the popular Highland and time travel book series by Diana Galbaldon, who lives primarily in Scottsdale.
Scots-tober Fest and Outlander Day events will be taking place throughout the day at THINKspot and in the program room at Red Mountain Branch:
oIT'S WHISKY, NOT WHISKEY
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
If you happen to be Scottish instead of Irish, that is. It's also known as uisge or uisce beatha - "water of life" - in both languages. Don Finch, President of the Caledonian Society, will discuss how whisky is made, the difference between single malt and blended whisky and other interesting facts about Scotland's most well-known export.
oMAKE A WEE SCOTTIE DOG CARD
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Drop by and make your own stand-up card featuring an adorable little Scottish Terrier. Materials provided. Ages 8+.
oOUTLANDER BOOK DISCUSSION AND TRIVIA GAME
Noon - 1 p.m.
Bring your favorite book in the Outlander series to discuss with other Heughligans or Caitriots and play a trivia game for a chance to win a DVD or book signed by Diana Gabaldon.
oOUTLANDER PHOTO SHOOT AND EDITING WORKSHOP
10:30 a.m. - noon
Transport yourself to 18th century Scotland through the magic of photo editing. Costumes encouraged.
oOUTLANDER TOUR TRAVELOGUE
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lois Wallace of Authentic Celtic Travels will take you to Scotland on a tour of the places featured in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. With maps, pictures and videos, you'll feel as if you have been transported through the stones.
oPERSONAL GENEALOGY 1-ON-1 SESSIONS
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Curious about your Scottish (or other) ancestors? Drop in to discover your family history with a professional genealogist from the Caledonian Society.
oSCOTTISH GENEALOGY 101
11 a.m. - noon
Robert M. Wilbanks IV, The Caledonian Society's Chief Genealogist and Historian, presents an overview of genealogy.
oSCOTTISH STEP-DANCING LECTURE AND LESSON
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn the history of the dance and have fun "stepping" with The Caledonian Society. All ages welcome.
oSCOTS WHO LEFT A STAIN ON HISTORY
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Iain Lundy will discuss his book "Between Daylight and Hell: Scots Who Left a Stain on American History." Scotland rightly basks in the glory of the well-known achievements of other emigrant Scots but there is another side to the coin. A rollicking good read, comprehensively researched by one of Scotland's most experienced and respected journalists.
For more information, visit www.mesalibrary.org.
Library
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov