Scottish Games...what a Trip!

Doormat at the entrance to a clan's tent

I just returned from my annual road trip from Raleigh, NC to Lincoln, NH. What a blast! Every year I worry that this 2,000+ mile round-trip is getting harder and harder, but the NH Highland Games and Festival is quite a party! Here are several photos I took:

Honored Band: Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

The beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire

In case you want to investigate what Scottish festivals entail, here are some upcoming events you might consider. I have also added several of my favorites (or soon to be favorites as I expand my trips):

2019

Oct. 5-6: Scotland County Highland Games, Laurinburg, NC

Oct 11-19: Celtic Colours Festival, Cape Breton, NovaScotia

Oct 12: Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games, Indiana

Oct. 18-20: Stone Mountain Highland Games, Georgia

Oct. 26-27: Central Virginia Celtic Festival and Games, Richmond, VA

Nov. 2: Charleston Scottish Games, Charleston, SC

2020

March 14-15: St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, Florida  

Feb. 1: Sarasota Celtic Music Festival, Florida

April 17-19: Loch Norman Highland games, Huntersville,NC

July 9-12: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games,  Linville, NC

Sept. 18-20: New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, Lincoln, NH

Teaching them young!

This is a FRACTION of the hundreds of events around the United states and Canada, Most event websites will help you find hotels and let you buy advance tickets. Kilts and bagpipes are optional!

Visit a Scottish Highland Games soon!

Turning the CABER/Telephone Pole

Modern Day highland games have a short history here in the United States and I have been fortunate enough to attend several over the last thirty-five or so years. I am also proud to be a long-time volunteer at the annual New Hampshire Highland Games, even though my husband and I moved to North Carolina. We still go back each fall to help. It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off a multi-day event attended by over 40,000 people!

The wearing of kilts, kilt hose, sporrans, billowing ‘ghillie’ or 'Jacobite' shirts, tams, and more (or less, if most men have their way) have become tradition. With a wool kilt made to order and costing upwards of six-hundred dollars, they are worn with pride and ceremony. Luckily for many, kilts made in fabrics other than wool cost less than $200.

Many U.S. states, and Canadian provinces, host highland games and all are family-friendly with programs for children. Scottish dress is never required, nor do you have to be of Scottish descent. Try to attend one to get the flavor and romantic vibes that emanate from every clan tent, dance performance, and rock concert.

If you can, spend a weekend visiting a Scottish games or festival. You will have a great time!

"A dragon by any other name would still breathe sparks." 

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