BELFAST — With a salty breeze coming steadily from the bay, and amidst the sound of traditional Irish music, the 11th annual Celtic Celebration marked its final day July 16 in Belfast.

It was a weekend filled with music and festivities from the Boathouse all the way to Miller Street, which marks one boundary of Belfast Common.

A number of musicians performed traditional Celtic music throughout the event, with the main tent surrounded by an attentive audience for the duration of the event.

There were activities for every age, from arts and crafts for kids, to a beer tent for adults, every corner of the event held a different offering.

Organized by the Maine Celtic Celebration Committee, the festival takes an entire year to plan, and over $40,000 to bring to life.

The weekend is all the more impressive since it is entirely volunteer based, and funded by donations and sponsors. The event and was free to attend, though suggested donations of $10 were accepted. 

Some of the activities offered over the course of the weekend included: fireworks, the Kilted Canter 5k race, the Celtic Breeds Parade and Dog Show, free Irish clogging lessons, and the Highland Heavy Games.

The Highland Heavy Games included traditional Scottish games like the caber toss, hammer throw, and open stone put.

The games drew a sizable crowd as they practiced Sunday afternoon, with many spectators discussing how they might toss one of the logs used in the event.

Perhaps the most popular event of the weekend, the New World Cheese Roll Championships, also took place Sunday afternoon.

With visitors standing eight people deep on the sidelines in some areas, many could be seen securing seats almost an hour before the 1:30 p.m. start time.

By the time the first wheel of cheese was hurled down the grassy hill, much of the crowd had begun to grow slightly restless.

Competitors in the event are first split into categories based on gender and age, then asked to form a line at the top of the moderate slope.

Though younger competitors are given more leeway, the vast majority of the groups must wait until the wheel of cheese actually touches the ground before they can start the race to capture it.

One Searsport family had three members fight for the cheese, though stepfather Jeff was knocked out during the men’s qualifying round, which takes place if over ten people want to compete.

It was the youngest member of the family, seven year old Keltsey, who managed to nab the cheese in her heat.

Keltsey said that although cheese was the prize, it wasn’t her primary motivation.

“I just like to run,” she said.

As for the best part of the race, Keltsey said falling into the hay bale barrier at the bottom of the hill was her favorite part.

For sister Reagan, 11, who also competed, being “wiped out” was her favorite part. “And my sister winning,” she added with a wide smile.

With huge wheels of cheese to be captured and endless sights to enjoy, it was a yet another weekend on the water not to be missed.

Additional photos of the New World Cheese Roll Championship, and Highland Heavy Games are also available.  

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com