Sponsored Content

Tartans, unicorns and road bowling: April goes Celtic on Bainbridge

Published 6:00 am Monday, March 30, 2026

National Tartan Day kicks off a week of Scottish and Irish celebration, with a road bowling competition still open for teams and individuals

April 6 marks National Tartan Day – a celebration of Scottish heritage that traces its roots to a defiant declaration of independence by Scottish nobility in 1320.

The Declaration of Arbroath was a radical idea for its time, one born from the belief that rulers should only govern with the consent of the people.

Some historians have drawn a line between its principles and the ideals that shaped the American Declaration of Independence, a connection that gives the date a resonance well beyond Scotland’s borders.

At Celtic Crossroads on Bainbridge Island, owner Debbie Sonandre has always had a soft spot for the day. The shop is marking the occasion with 15 percent off tartan items – scarves, accessories, clothing and gifts – and Sonandre is happy to talk about all of it.

“A family tartan holds a lot of personal history,” Sonandre says. “Every color and pattern tells a story and keeps families connected with their roots.”

Family tartans are custom-woven and can take six to eight weeks to arrive. Each one is tied directly to a specific family or clan, and Sonandre says she especially loves helping customers discover whether some of their own heritage is waiting for them.

National Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage that traces its roots to a defiant declaration of independence by Scottish nobility, learn more about the day instore at Celtic Crossroads on April 6.

Even those without a specific family-linked tartan will still find plenty of popular patterns at the shop, along with other symbolic items such as the unicorn, Scotland’s national animal.

“The unicorn is a fun bit of Scottish folklore that was chosen as Scotland’s national animal for its untameable and proud nature,” Sonandre says.

The Celtic spirit carries into the following weekend. 

On Sunday, April 12, the Bainbridge Island Irish Club is hosting its inaugural Irish Road Bowling Competition and registration is still open for teams, individuals and businesses. 

A centuries-old Irish tradition, the game challenges participants to roll a solid ball as far as possible in the fewest throws – the team or individual with the fewest throws wins a trophy, with one going to the runner-up as well. 

Teams of four can register for $50 and individual players for $15. The club is actively looking for businesses to field teams and play against each other, adding a friendly rivalry to the mix.

The event runs from 2:30 to 6 p.m., with a 30-minute lesson for bowlers before competition begins at 3 p.m. Musicians will perform throughout the afternoon, and the Saucy Sailor of Kingston will be on hand with food. 

The whole affair is meant to feel relaxed and informal – exactly as it would in Ireland. Spectators are welcome and free to attend, though registering helps organizers with the count. The day wraps up with an optional post-event gathering at a nearby pub.

Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 380 Winslow Way E. Find them online at celticcrossroadsnw.com, by phone at 360-344-2123 or email at info@celticcrossroadsnw.co.

Follow Celtic Crossroads Northwest on Facebook for updates on the store and upcoming community events.