Good evening friends! So yesterday I went to the Scottish Highland Games! What is that you ask? It is essentially when Scotland comes to the Pacific Northwest for two days during the summer. Imagine the county fair without rides, but strictly catered to Scottish heritage, celebration, and sport. For your information, I am 0% Scottish. But want to know who is half Scottish? My good friend Caleb. He is the reason I attended such an event. Caleb, my friend Jorie, and I were in the area to see Julia's show so it was the perfect opportunity to stop on the games along the way! Even if you are not Scottish, this was an incredible, enriching, and charming experience!
The weather was nothing like Scotland yesterday. Instead of the chilled air and foggy skies, it was crystal clear and incredibly warm. Just like any county fair or event, there was a $15 admission fee.
There were tons animals native to the Scottish Highlands. They were too cute! I was too afraid to touch them, because I was worried that the very official looking man sitting behind his desk was going to scold and yell at me. But look at the Scottish Highland Cow on the left! It's so fluffy I'm gunna die!
There was traditional Scottish dance competitions which were very fun to watch. My heart melted when the 3 to 5 year old teams came out. They were absolutely precious! We then watched the remarkable pipe bands. Some of the bands consisted of over 100 musicians and they were spot on! I never thought I would enjoy a bagpipe so much!
I saw this woman's hair and I thought it was... Cool? Then I saw a Scottish Deerhound (Similar to the Irish Wolfhound)... It was MUCH cooler! 'nuff said. They had tons of dog breeds primarily native to Ireland, Scotland, and other European countries.
Then we watched the Caber Toss. A man picks up a large log perpendicular to the ground, then the man throws the large log. The log must flip over and depending on the direction it lands depends on your score and ranking. It was a nail biting experience and very fun to watch!
There was bad swordfighting, and very delicious lemonade!
This is myself and Jorie in our new flower crowns. And this is Caleb with his pipe.
These are random people... I enjoyed their threads.
Even though I am not Scottish, there was so much to do and explore. I think I may even go back next year! Stay posted!
With Love,
Traci Lee
Guest Threads
Meet Caleb. He is my friend from school and he is being featured in this segment of 'Guest Threads'! The second he walked out in his kilt, I knew he was worthy of the spot. He is half Scottish and gets so excited to celebrate his heritage and spend a day at the games. His look consists around his kilt and is polished off with his sporran (his 'purse'), his Sgian-Dubh (a small single edged blade), and his pipe. He loves to get very involved in the festivities and I only have one word for him... RESPECT!
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