Lemont Residents Celebrate Scottish Heritage at Annual Chicago Festival

resident Jennifer Hatton was born and raised in the United States, but her heart has always belonged to Scotland.

Hatton's Scottish heritage has played an integral role in her life since she was 10 years old and first got involved with the Chicago Scots, a 167-year old charitable organization that fosters service, fellowship and celebration of Scottish culture.

For Hatton, a fourth-generation Scottish American, the organization has become like a second family.

"I take a lot of pride in my Scottish heritage, so the traditions and culture have always been important to me," Hatton said. "Being part of the Chicago Scots has been great; it's such a tight-knit community."

Having been a Scottish dancer since she was a young girl, Hatton now teaches for the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers of Chicagoland. Her daughters—Morgan, 11, and Trinity, 8—travel the country with the dance troupe.

"Dancing has been a way to keep them connected to their Scottish heritage," Hatton said. "Lemont has such a large population of Lithuanian and Polish people—very few Scots. We try to perform in town when we can to share a little of our world."

This weekend, Jennifer and her family will celebrate their Scottish heritage at the 26th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games. She and husband Tim have been actively involved in organizing the festival, serving as the children's activities co-chair and money management chair, respectively.

The event will be held Friday and Saturday at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, IL. The festival is open to the public from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

According to festival organizers, the event offers an extensive array of unique Scottish traditions, revelry, and culture for the whole family.

“This is the largest and best Scottish festival in the Midwest,” said Gus Noble, President of the Chicago Scots. “We pride ourselves on making families feel like they’ve been transported to Scotland for a weekend of fun while enjoying a unique opportunity to learn more about Scottish culture.”

Friday evening highlights include: Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court, and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Celtic rock stage.

The festival continues Saturday with: Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition, Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship, Highland Dance competition, Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge, Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament  Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations, genealogy and cultural exhibits, Parade of Clan Tartans and more.

Jennifer Hatton is in charge of children’s activities, which will include mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions, a petting zoo, face painting and a bounce house.

The festivities culminate with the Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands Show, a spectacle of 1,000 bagpipers and drummers, all joined in performing several traditional musical selections, such as "Amazing Grace."

"You don't have to be Scottish to enjoy this festival," Hatton said. "We have a little something for everyone—great food, athletic competitions, kids' activities, music. It's going to be a great time."

For more information, event schedules, competition registration forms or to purchase tickets, visit www.chicagoscots.org

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