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The Pipes Are Calling

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By SHERRI LONON

IN THE LOOP

Published: March 4, 2009

The mournful sounds of bagpipes and drums will fill the air at Zephyr Park this weekend as the ninth annual Zephyrhills Celtic Festival and Highland Games get under way.

The celebration of Celtic history and tradition runs March 6-8 with a variety of activities planned at the 38116 Fifth Ave. park and off site, as well.

Created by Steve Serneels of Zephyrhills, the festival began as a one-day event to bring a bit of Celtic flavor to central and eastern Pasco County.

"I've been in a pipe band and going to highland games for a long time," said Serneels. "I thought it would be a nice thing to have in Zephyrhills and thought it could really be successful here."

Now, almost a decade later, Serneels said the festival has more than met expectations. The festival, which starts out with events at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio on Friday and moves to Zephyrhills on Saturday and Sunday has "gotten more and more popular" and has "evolved over time."

Serneels, who plays with the Tampa Bay Pipes & Drums, was inspired to explore Celtic music and tradition by his grandmother Ellen Aldred, he said. His mother, Joanie Serneels, and aunt, Annette Kaman, both of Wesley Chapel, have helped organize the event for years.

"The first year Steve did it all by himself," said Kaman. "I said 'tell me what you want done and I'll do it.'"

Now a family affair and more, Joanie Serneels said the event has grown into a great display of Celtic music, games, tradition and history.

"It's a lot of fun," she said. "There's so much to do and so much to see."

The growth of the festival through the years doesn't surprise her much.

"He's very determined," she said of her son. The festival "just gets bigger and bigger."

Admission to the festival portion of the event in Zephyrhills is free for children 12 and under and $5 for all others. The traditional Ceilidh dinner at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club on Friday night costs $30. The dinner includes entertainment by Bobby Murray, The Wyndbreakers, Rathkeltair, Tampa Bay Pipes & Drums and Irish and Scottish dancers.

The overall experience is one that Steve Serneels thinks people will enjoy.

"It's not something that's common," he said. "I think people will be really surprised at how much they enjoy the music and other activities. The fact that it's only $5 makes it a very good deal."

For more information on the festival, visit zephyrhillscelticfestival.com. For tickets to the dinner, call (813) 319-4247 or e-mail ceilidh@zephyrhillscelticfestival.com.

Celtic Festival Schedule

The Zephyrhills Celtic Festival and Highland Games take place March 6-8. The schedule includes:

• Friday, March 6 at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club - A solo piobaireachd (sic) competition at 5:30 p.m. and the Ceilidh dinner at 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are required.

• Saturday, March 7 at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills - The festival opens at 9 a.m. with a parade. Formal opening ceremonies take place at 11:30 a.m. with athletics, dancing competitions, solo piping and drumming events and more. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day. A British and European car show with more than 100 entries will be onsite Saturday, as well.

• Sunday, March 8 at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills - The day's festivities get underway at 9 a.m. with entertainment throughout the day, including a Celtic dog breed demonstration, Irish and Scottish dancing performances and more.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or at slonon@mediageneral.com. Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or at slonon@mediageneral.com.

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