The pipes, the pageantry, the passion, the people – all to preserve and promote Celtic culture. Recently we spoke with Tracy Nietupski about this weekend’s inaugural Oregon Celtic Festival.
What are your own family roots?
My family background is a blend of European heritage. On my father’s side, our roots trace back to Germany, while my mother’s side comes from the former Czechoslovakia. Growing up in the northeastern U.S., I was surrounded by the traditions and stories passed down through generations. In 2000, seeking a change and new opportunities for my family, I moved to Washington State with my children. While my ancestry isn’t Celtic, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our world, and that’s what drew me to help build something special like the Oregon Celtic Festival.
How and when did you get involved with the Oregon Celtic Festival?
My business partner and I saw an opportunity to create something truly unique back in 2019. We recognized the Pacific Northwest didn’t have a large-scale celebration of Celtic culture, and we wanted to fill that gap by bringing a festival to Oregon that would celebrate the vibrancy, history, and joy of Celtic traditions. Initially, we planned to launch the festival in 2020, but like so many other events, the pandemic delayed our opening. After a lot of patience, hard work, and careful planning, we’re excited to finally open the doors to the Oregon Celtic Festival in 2024.
What are your roles and responsibilities there?
As one of the Executive Producers, I oversee the logistics, making sure everything from venue setup to vendor coordination runs smoothly. I also manage the finances, including budgeting and ticketing, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. My role is about bringing all the pieces together to create an enjoyable and memorable festival.
What are the challenges involved?
Launching any new event comes with challenges. Securing a venue was a significant one, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where we have limited date options due to weather. Another challenge is gauging interest in a new festival and finding ways to attract people to something unfamiliar, yet magical.
What are the rewards?
One of the greatest rewards is providing families with a fun, enriching experience that everyone can enjoy. Introducing the next generation to the rich history of Celtic and Irish culture through music, laughter, and entertainment is truly fulfilling
What is the festival’s core mandate?
Our core mandate is to celebrate and promote Celtic heritage while creating a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages education and entertainment through music, arts, and interactive experiences.
Who are you looking to draw?
The Oregon Celtic Festival is designed as a fun, family-oriented event complete with a Fairy Realm for kids and kids-at-heart. We’re primarily hoping to draw attendees from Portland and the surrounding areas, but we welcome everyone who is interested in exploring Celtic music and culture.
What can audiences expect at this year’s gathering?
This year, attendees can look forward to a variety of exciting attractions, including four stages of live music, enchanting Fairy Realm, a bustling Merchant Village, a lively Alehouse, global Whiskey Tasting events and hands-on activities such as Axe throwing and Archery.
How do you expect the event to evolve in the coming years?
We hope to see the festival grow to include more traditional elements of Celtic culture, like Highland Games, sheepdog trials, and family clans. Our goal is to expand the activities and attractions to celebrate the many facets of Celtic heritage and represent all of the groups that call the Pacific Northwest home.
Why is it an important event for the community?
In today’s world, where everything is digital, it’s crucial to offer younger generations an opportunity to experience history, live music, and hands-on experiences. The festival gives people a chance to unplug, dance, and be part of a community while engaging with their heritage (or learning about a new culture!).
From your perspective, are young people still interested in their Celtic heritage?
I believe that if we present Celtic heritage in a fun, engaging way, young people will remain interested. Seeing younger entertainers take the stage and opening the door to learning through doing will spark curiosity, enticing them to explore their family and cultural history further.
How can that be improved?
We can improve engagement by incorporating a wide range of Celtic music styles into the festival, allowing young people to experience Celtic traditions firsthand while also finding something familiar to connect with. Creating opportunities to see and experience Celtic culture firsthand are the key to keeping the culture alive and relevant.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Celtic culture in Oregon?
Oregon has a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the Portland area. There are many events celebrating different heritages, including Celtic. By fostering collaboration and offering more opportunities for the community to share their knowledge, we can continue to strengthen and preserve Celtic culture for future generations.
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Again, how can that be improved?
I think that offering more in-person events and outreach programs that connect Celtic culture to the broader community are essential. Existing organizations with aging memberships can look toward forging partnerships with schools and youth groups to help keep the culture alive and thriving for generations to come.
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