Let the Games Begin
festival, glasgow highland games, glasgow-barren county, scottish,
In 2009, the Glasgow Highland Games will celebrate its 24th year as a community event, honoring the Scottish heritage of the region and offering the opportunity for a little friendly competition for those hearty enough to participate in a stone toss or hammer throw.
The event now attracts some 15,000 people on the first weekend following Memorial Day for traditional games such as the caber toss, clachneart – or stone toss – and sheaf toss. There are whisky tastings, Celtic rock concerts and a grand banquet and tartan ball. The family-friendly event has children’s activities, clan tents and, of course, a wide selection of Scottish foods.
The games began as a project of the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce, but they quickly grew and are now overseen year-round by one full-time staff person and a host of community leaders and volunteers. The Glasgow games are now among the top five highland games in the country, says Maureen Hendrick, who coordinates the festival full-time.
The main festival grounds are located at Barren River Lake State Resort Park, about 10 miles from Glasgow, while most other events are scattered throughout the city, involving local businesses and residents.
Glasgow is named for Glasgow, Scotland, and the area was originally settled by Scots-Irish immigrants, says Hendrick.
The games serve not only a gathering for families of Scottish heritage from all over the country, but they also are one of 150 different games held around the globe that lead athletes to the Scottish Games World Championships.
“The games are so unlike any other festival,” Hendrick says. “Whether you’re Scottish or not, they have such a welcoming, family feel to them.”
Story by Anita Wadhwani
Photo by Michael W. Bunch
