The 13th Annual Bethabara Highland Games – Saturday

By Staff

 

The Games begin at 10 am on May 11th at the field at Historic Bethabara Park.  Reminiscent of the Scotch Fairs that were held in the Carolinas in May in the late 1790s, the Bethabara Highland Games offers a relaxing day for family gatherings with congenial kinfolk, musical entertainment, and the camaraderie of competition.  Admission to the event and access to the historic buildings is free.

Traditional Scottish athletic competitions are once again a highlight of this year’s games with tartan-clad athletes throwing the 56 & 28 lb weights for height and distance. Champion Athletes come to test their strength by tossing the 100+ pound, 19+ foot caber end over end. Other events include the Clachneart, hammer throw for height, and the sheaf toss. Past Bethabara competitors include former World Champion Larry Brock. For the full lineup of competitions, visit HERE.

The games are proud to announce the 2nd Bethabara Scottish Fiddle Competition. Melinda Crawford, a sanctioned Scottish F.I.R.E. judge and a former U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion will offer a seminar and judge the competition. The competition, sanctioned by Scottish FIRE, will offer competitors the privilege of competing in the National Scottish Fiddle Competition. The Scottish String Instrument Workshop will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon in the Visitor Center. It is open to the public at no cost.
Register before noon on Saturday May, 11, for the Scottish Fiddle Competition.
The competitions will start at 1:00 p.m. For Fiddle Competition information contact Debbie Morris – Triad Scottish Fiddlers & Friends at (336)491-2958.

The games will continue their focus on traditional music as The Fiddle and Bow Society hosts entertainment on the Main Stage and pipe bands, The Triad Highlanders, NC State Pipe band and Clan Lindsey Pipe Band perform throughout the day. The schedule for the main stage is as follows:
10:30 Thistledown Tinkers
11:30 Jamie Laval
12:30 The Red Wellies
1:30 Thistledown Tinkers
2:30 Jamie Laval
3:30 The Red Wellies

Participation is a hallmark of Scottish Games. Your kinsmen may try their hand at the Battle-axe competition. There are activities for the kids that include Colonial games and the children’s Scottish athletic competition. Kilts will again be available for the children at no charge.

There are Border collie demonstrations and several seminars about Scottish history. You could learn a new Scottish Country dance. You may plan you own picnic or partake of the food offered by vendors adjacent our shady picnic area. You may shop for tartan, short bread, and other unique gifts offered in the Celtic Vendors Row.

Attendance at the Bethabara Highland Games is family oriented with lots of stuff for the kids. Be kind to your pets….no pets please.

Historic Bethabara Park is located at 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC.