Scotland returns to Grandfather Mountain July 12-15 for the 63rd annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
Boasting bagpipes, Scottish athletics, Highland melodies, Celtic cuisine, crafts aplenty and tons of tartans, the Games hearken back to the rich cultural traditions of Scotland in a setting not so different from the mountains and glens some 3,600 miles away.
The event begins Thursday afternoon, July 12, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations, Celtic entertainment, the running of “The Bear” and the opening ceremonies. That evening, representatives of more than 100 clans will announce their families’ participation in the gathering at the torchlight ceremony.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are filled with competitions in traditional heavyweight Scottish athletic events, highland dancing competitions, bagpipe band parades, piping, drumming and harp competitions, sheepherding demonstrations by Scottish border collies and concerts, featuring a colorful tapestry of Celtic music.
The nation's top Scottish athletes clash Saturday in traditional heavyweight events, such as “Turning the Caber” and “Tossing the Sheaf.” In the caber toss, athletes flip a telephone pole-sized log end over end. The sheaf toss challenges athletes to loft a 16-pound sack of hay over a bar more than 20 feet high. Other ancient tests of strength await the contestants, including highland wrestling, the hammer throw and various weight throws.
Events are repeated Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, also offering spectators opportunities to witness the “kilted mile,” clan caber toss and clan tug-of-war.
For the wee ones, the Games will again host youth highland wrestling clinics and competitions, foot races and tug-of-war battles.
For 2018, event organizers are tuning up the Games’ musical offerings.
Friday nights’ Celtic rock show includes sets by Seven Nations, Nic Hudson, Rathkeltair, Scottish Octopus and Blue Ridge Bass, while the Saturday Celtic sessions feature Alasdair White, Ed Miller, Chambless and Muse, Seamus Kennedy and Piper Jones Band.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can learn about their own Scottish ancestry and genealogy at clan tents or browse the open-air market for Gaelic and tartan gift items. Guests can take a taste of tradition with a variety of concessions, including Scottish meat pies.
The Scottish Cultural Village will also return, hosting experts to discuss or demonstrate numerous aspects of Scottish culture, including blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, athletics, piping and drumming, dancing and more. Presentations will take place every 30 minutes throughout the weekend.
Adult admission to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games cost $15 Thursday, $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and $15 Sunday. Tickets cover all activities in the meadows, which last from early morning to midnight Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5 each day for children ages 5-12, and children younger than 5 enter free.
Tickets can be purchased for only the concerts or opening ceremony. Four-day passes are also available. For more info on tickets, click here. For details on parking, click here.
Visit gmhg.org for more details, or call (828) 733-1333.
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
