The "Day of Arbroath," a commemoration of Scotland's Independence Day, will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday as part of the fifth annual Tartan Day Scottish Festival at the Farmers' Castle Museum Education Center in Belpre.
A flag raising ceremony will kick off the day at 11 a.m. with the playing of the pipes followed by the reading of a proclamation.
According to event organizer Nancy Sams, many of the tenets of the United States Declaration of Independence were based on Scotland's document. In the 1776 U.S. original declaration document, 13 of the signers were of Scottish descent.
The Tartan Day program will feature Scottish artifacts, including authentic swords, dolls, a Washington County settlement map and other memorabilia will be displayed. Throughout the day, bagpipers will play, spinners will spin and Pam Brust, a local author, will sign books.
There will also be children's activities with story telling, pictures to color and games to play and refreshments will reflect Scottish culture.
The museum, maintained by the Belpre Historical Society, is located at the corner of Ridge and Locust streets, one block south of Washington Boulevard in Belpre.
The ongoing exhibits in the museum include an authentic 1840's carriage, a working rug loom, a blacksmith shop, displays of local history, a Victorian era Room, genealogy and the Southeastern Ohio Underground Railroad history.
For more information contact the museum at (740) 423-7588.
Donations for Tartan Day will be accepted at the door. The festival is sponsored by the Tartan Day Committee in conjunction with the Belpre Historical Society.
Sams said Tartan Day recognizes and celebrates the great traditions and heritage of Scotland and pays tribute to her sons and daughters in America.
"If you have a kilt, scarf, hat, anything with your tartan on it, wear it, show your pride with your plaid," she said.
By resolution in 1998, National Tartan Day was officially recognized by Congress and the day is celebrated around the world. Tartan Day recognizes Scotland's declaration of independence, the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed April 6, 1320.
The Belpre Public Library will have a book display featuring Scottish authors and Scottish stories in April in conjunction with the celebration. Belpre author Pamela Douglas Brust will be signing copies of her Scottish-themed book, "Legacies of the Soul" on Tartan Day with part of the proceeds going to the event.
For more information, contact the museum at 740-423-7588.
