Scottish Flag flying outside the Ohio State House, Ohio 4/1/05

The Scottish National flag is raised the first of April each year at the Ohio State House in Columbus Ohio in celebration of National Tartan Day April 6th. Governor Taft signed Ohio House Bill 125 on December 14, 2001 recognizing Tartan Day in Ohio.

Ohio Tartan Day has grown steadily from its inception in 1998. It has taken many different forms, from small town ceilidhs, to city parades, festivals teas and many other events featuring Scottish heritage and traditions. All across the United States, Canada and Scotland itself, namely Arbroath, where it all began in 1320, Tartan Day has come into its own.

In Central Ohio the first Saturday in April brings Scots and their friends from surrounding counties to Reynoldsburg, Ohio for a day long assortment of Scottish activities. Reynoldsburg was largely settled by Scots from Truro, Nova Scotia who came to the Refugee Tracts after the Revolutionary War. Each year a Clan Tartan Banner is presented to the city in honor of those Scottish families in the opening ceremony. The purpose of this event is for the enjoyment of all Scots and friends as well as to introduce the Scottish Arts and traditions to the community. Sheepherding, children's games, Scottish piping and dancing, genealogy and food are among the many activities during the day.

Other areas in Ohio presenting Tartan Day in April include the Annual Cincinnati Tartan Day Celebration with such interesting entertainment as a Haggis Eating contest, Ladies Pipe Band, Re-enactors, Highland dance Competition, Celtic Glee Club as well as many other activities.

Celebrations and presentations in honor of Tartan Day make Cleveland, known also for its Scots prominence, a historical event. The Cuyahoga Valley Tartan Day takes place in Akron, Ohio and Lakeland Community College presents Scottish Dancing and Piping under the International Folk Festival. Many other Tartan Day events take place in local schools, churches, public and private clubs.