LONG BEACH, CALIF. — Men (and women) in plaid kilts with big things hanging in the front (sporrans - purses) are coming to Long Beach for the annual Queen Mary Scottish Festival. The festive attire that includes colorful knee-length kilts, big leather pouches hanging in the front-usually with large powder-brush style tassels, hats, decorative knee socks, spats, and even shiny swords, makes quite a splash in front of a massive ship that was built on the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland over 75 years ago.

Hammer Throw, Putting the Stone and Tossing the Caber are some of the games kilt-clad gents play while a huge grass field becomes the center of attention during a demonstration of sheep herding. Kids can pet the woolly creatures, wander with parents onto the ship and see festive dancing, dart competitions, and other activities. After you make it through Garden Grove's Tet Parade & Festival, San Francisco's Chinese Parade, and see the launch of Indio Date Festival with its camel races, you will have traveled the world in one place-California!