The Scottish Highland Festival brought the spirit of Scotland to downtown Mount Dora, transforming the historic district into a lively celebration of culture, music and tradition.

Crowds filled the streets as the well-attended festival unfolded, offering a full day of heritage and entertainment. The unmistakable sound of bagpipes echoed between storefronts while Celtic bands took the stage, traditional dancers performed time-honored routines and local vendors lined the streets with Scottish-inspired goods, food and crafts.

At the heart of the festival were the Highland athletes, presented by the Foundation of Scottish Athletes, whose mission centers on “Preserving Heritage one game at a time.” The competitions drew steady attention as athletes demonstrated both strength and skill in classic Highland Games events.

Participation in the athletic contests came with a few clear requirements. Competitors were required to wear a kilt, refrain from going commando and compete in every event for their overall score to count — a nod to both tradition and sportsmanship.

The games themselves showcased centuries-old feats of strength. The Stone Throw featured both the Braemar Stone and Open Stone events, challenging athletes to propel heavy stones across the field. The Caber Toss tested strength, balance and precision as competitors attempted to flip the towering wooden pole end over end. The Sheaf Toss, also known as the bag weight toss, required participants to hurl a weighted burlap sack over an elevated bar, drawing cheers from the crowd with each successful throw.

From spirited music and traditional dancing to impressive displays of endurance and power, the Scottish Highland Festival once again honored a proud cultural legacy — preserved and celebrated in the heart of Mount Dora.

Photos by Nicole Hamel