![Walking through the tunnel created by the cheerleaders and Celebrities, senior Frances Tran smiles as the soccer team is sent off during DEN for their playoff game against Rouse tonight. Tran said the wins against Smithson Valley and Alamo Heights gave the team a morale boost to take on the Raiders tonight. “I know we were not 100% confident in those games,” Tran said. “But, Rouse is a big opponent for sure. We’re definitely going into tonight with a lot of morale [because of the previous wins].”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/frances-tran.jpg)
![Holding a bucket of materials in one hand and a roll of tape in another, anatomy and biology teacher Tyler Terry prepares for a lab. Terry said his proudest moments are when his students are happy to see him. “When I take my wife to a football game or something and a bunch of students want to say hi to me or they like to smile and wave and it just makes me feel good that the students are really kind and supportive of me,” Terry said. “[I’m also] proud when I see students perform really well in their extracurriculars because I can see how hard they’re working in my classes, [so] when I see that they’re also working so hard in other things. Like they’re winning band competitions or they’re getting awards for their theater productions, or I see them put on their choir shows, that’s like, wow, you guys are incredible.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rags-6.png)
![Catching a ball, junior Alivia Robinson plays at the Cedar Park vs Glenn game. Having played since she was 5 years old, she is dedicated to softball and has committed to UTPB for softball. “When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide where,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, and UTPB is my fit. When [I committed] I knew I was going to be loved and supported.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lilly-Adams-3.13aliviaedit-901.jpg)
Austin Celtic Festival Review
From Archery to Giant Turkey Legs, Festival Makes For Great Time
My friends and I attended this year’s Celtic festival to celebrate my 18th birthday. Although I am over 70 percent Celtic, my friends have little to no Celtic background. Despite this they were still able to enjoy the vibrant culture and community at the Festival!
November 15, 2018
On Nov. 3 and 4, people from all over Austin gathered at Pioneer Farms to celebrate the annual Austin Celtic Festival. Dressed in Scottish kilts, Irish moccasins and the robes of the Vikings, people of Celtic heritage joined at this quaint farm to observe the festivities. People from all walks of life came to enjoy the crisp fall air and lively environment, and this year I accompanied some of my friends to the festival. Here are my favorite parts of the festival that you can surely look forward to when next year’s Celtic festival rolls around.
The Viking Invasion-
The Viking invasion occurs in a small field decorated with tents and men and women adorned in traditional Viking robes. If you enjoy learning about history, or you enjoy sword fighting, this event is for you. Around every half hour, the “Vikings” come out of their tents to demonstrate traditional Viking battle tactics and sword fighting techniques. Do not try to converse with them, however, because their tough and hard-headed character does not break.
Archery-
One section of the farm is dedicated entirely to archery. For only five dollars, you can learn to shoot 10 arrows at animal-shaped targets and live out your dreams of being Merida from Brave. First, you get a lesson on safety and are taught which bow would be best for your height and weight. A trained arching professional helps you with your form and technique, and if you ask nicely, they will show off a bit of their incredible skill. The targets vary in distance, so your success in archery depends on how much you challenge yourself (yes, I hit the target and was compared many times to Merida).
Celtic Dog Parade-
I know it sounds amazing, but seeing it in person is even cooler. Border collies, Irish wolfhounds and Scottish terriers walked around the entire farm in an incredible parade. In addition to seeing some cute animals, most dogs in the parades are rescues, so donations made towards the parade go to organizations that aid rescue dogs in finding good homes. The owners and breeders of the dogs are very friendly, so they will undoubtedly let you pet and play with their dogs.
The Food-
Many people have not had the opportunity to taste traditional Celtic foods. Bangers and mash are available to try, but there is also everything you could ask for on a stick. Chicken on a stick, corn dogs and even giant turkey legs. Desserts include miniature pancakes, fried Oreo’s and homemade ice cream. If you happen to attend the festival next year, I highly recommend trying their regular or strawberry lemonades that are freshly squeezed with an entire lemon in the cup.
Overall, the Celtic festival is a really fun experience for anyone. I personally have a lot of Celtic blood running, but non-Celtic history buffs, sports lovers or foodies can also find something to enjoy at this festival. Throughout the farm grounds, there are also small shopping tents and handmade collectibles to commemorate your experience at the festival. If you can make the short 25-minute drive to the Austin Celtic Festival, I highly recommend coming out next year and embracing the vibrant Celtic culture.
![Catching a ball, junior Alivia Robinson plays at the Cedar Park vs Glenn game. Having played since she was 5 years old, she is dedicated to softball and has committed to UTPB for softball. “When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide where,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, and UTPB is my fit. When [I committed] I knew I was going to be loved and supported.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lilly-Adams-3.13aliviaedit-901-600x400.jpg)
