11/8/2023 0 Comments Highland games near meThe Grandfather Mountain Games are not the only Scotch-Irish festivals held in North Carolina. According to the mission of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Inc., one of the most important aspects of the event is “to foster and restore interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture” (Our Mission). The festival opens with a torch lighting event with games, concerts, and dancing events occurring throughout the second full weekend of July. The games have become a four-day event held at MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain. William Powell claims that the present Grandfather Mountain Highland Games has grown into “the largest “clan gathering” in the world, with well over 100 represented each year” (p. MacDonald wished to recreate the same festival he had witnessed in Scotland so he aligned with Agnes Morton, who had also become acquainted with the Connecticut Highland Games, and they started the first Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain on August 15, 1956. He was greatly impressed by the Braemar Highland Gathering. Several years earlier, MacDonald had visited Scotland in 1954. MacDonald, a decent of the Cape Fear Highland Scots, were responsible for creating the Grandfather Highland Mountain Games in 1956. Yet, in the middle of the twentieth century, the Highland Games emerged once again in the North Carolina mountains.Īgnes Morton, a Linville native, and Donald F. Known as “Scotch Fairs,” these events were outlawed by the North Carolina General Assembly in the 1870s because of concerns over the gambling and drunken festivities that often occurred at the fairs. ![]() Some of the first Highland Games emerged in the Cape Fear areas of Ellerbe and Laurel Hill in the sixteenth century. The Highland Games focus on clan gathering where those of a certain Scottish lineage reunite to compete against different families and clans. Some of the games include tossing large objects such as poles, hammers, and wheels as well as dancing, bagpipe playing, and other events. Powell, today’s Highland Games and cultural events “are the offshoot of ancient Celtic tests of strength and fitness, as well as competitive activities that later took place at cattle fairs, or “trysts,” in Scotland” (p. One such tradition is that of the Highland Games.Īccording to historian William S. Numerous Scottish immigrants moved and settled the North Carolina colony and due to the large influx of this cultural group many traditions remain there today. Stay on top of announcements and updates by signing up for our newsletter and following our social media channels.Up until to the nineteenth century, North Carolina was the most prominent area of settlement for Highland Scots. Tickets for scheduled featured guest events with Richard Rankin will go on sale Wednesday, May 3rd at 10 AM. There will be multiple opportunities to meet Rankin up close, and in addition to scheduled featured events, he will also be participating in activities through the Festival grounds. The Festival team has curated an awesome combination of unique VIP experiences, including brunch, autograph/photo opportunities, whisky tastings, and free panel discussions. Rankin is the third Outlander star the Festival has welcomed and will be on the grounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 11 – 13, 2023. The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is thrilled to announce our Featured Guest for 2023 will be Richard Rankin! Known as Roger MacKenzie on the hit TV series Outlander based on the best-selling books by Diana Gabaldon. Outlander Star to be Fergus Scottish Festival Featured Guest Please see Camping specific rules and regulations when purchasing a campsite.įergus Scottish Festival is not responsible for any loss, personal injury or damages to patrons or volunteers howsoever they may arise in relation to participation in the Festival. ![]() Pets are not permitted on the site (except service dogs).Īll policies of the Centre Wellington Sportsplex and Fergus Scottish Festival must be observed.Īlcohol and/or illegal substances may not be brought into the Festival site. Pets are not permitted on the Festival site (except service animals).īicycles, scooters, golf carts, ATVs, skateboards are prohibited.ĭrones or any other remote flying devices are strictly prohibited. The Festival is not responsible for any loss, personal injury or damages to patrons or volunteers howsoever they may arise in relation to participation in the Festival. ![]() No refunds will be offered to customers who are refused entry or ejected from the venue on account of being (or appearing to be) abusive, threatening, drunken or disorderly.Īll persons attending the Festival do so at their own risk. Lineup and/or set times are subject to change without notice. Wristbands are void if tampered with or removed. ![]() Festival wristbands must be in sight at all times.
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