Radford

The festival is being held in conjunction with RU's Family Weekend and the Appalachian Folk Arts Festival. It is estimated more than 9,000 people visited campus last year for the festivities.        

A collaboration between the City of Radford and Radford University, activities begin Friday with "A Taste of the Highlands … Radford Style" and continues Saturday  with a 5-K run, pancake breakfast, parade, special events for students and parents, and day-long programming on Moffett and Heth Fields. The schedule is being developed with plans for the traditional gathering of Scottish clans, a falconry exhibition, and performances by numerous Scots-Irish-Appalachian bands including a massed band performance, children's events and much more.

Craft and food vendors will set up shop on Moffett Field with traditional Appalachian crafters selling wares and hosting demonstrations on Heth Field. "The steering committee, comprised of members from the City of Radford and Radford University, are actively planning this event which is an example of the great collaboration that exists between the city and RU," says festival co-chair Laurie Buchwald. "We know people will want to mark their calendars for Oct. 1 and 2. It promises to be the best festival weekend yet."

Festival patrons are encouraged to visit www.radford.edu/festival regularly for continuing updates. Information for established vendors and Scottish clans will be sent no later than April 1. Vendor spaces are first come - first serve.

Vendors and clans that have not attended in years past and are interested in learning more, should e-mail clan and vendor coordinator Bonnie Erickson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (540) 831-5804.

More information on Family Weekend events and the Appalachian Folk Arts Festival will be forthcoming. Links to the information will be posted on the festival website when details are confirmed.