Castles and Clans

June 04, 2012

One of my favorite annual events is coming up this weekend in nearby Riverside--the Kansas City Scottish Highland Games. I have been attending this event off and on for over 20 years, and I love it every time I go! All my friends know that I love all things Scottish. Hey, I even tried haggis and liked it!

This year's Games will be held June 8 - 10, 2012 at E. H. Young Park in Riverside; attendees can get free parking and a free shuttle ride to the park at the Red X Store in Riverside (2401 NW Platte Rd.). Hours for the Games are 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday night; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday; and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

You might be wondering what you can see when you visit the Highland Games. Here is an incomplete list:  bagpiping competitions, Highland dance competitions, Scottish clan tents, live steel sword fights, whisky tasting, and wool weaving. In the past, I've seen Highland cows grazing and watched Border Collies demonstrating their herding skills with a group of very nervous sheep! The Scottish athletic events are cool to see as well. I especially like the caber toss, when the men try to turn a caber--a long wooden pole--end over end to try and land in the 12:00 noon position. It is very difficult to get that accomplished! The clan representatives are very friendly and eager to talk history and genealogy with you and help you make connections. You may be surprised to know that a lot of Scottish surnames do not begin with "Mac." Some clans who'll be there this weekend are the Davidsons, the Elliotts, the Kerrs, and the Montgomerys.

For more information about this amazing cultural event, visit the website. There's really something for everyone to enjoy; hope to see you there!

Sheryl W.
North Oak Branch