Highland Games Preview - 2016
Learners’ Arms Mike Fox, Chair
Visit the Learner's Arms big tent,
to experience and engage,
to explore and enjoy
all things that are truly Scottish!
From the cerebral to the musical,
from Scottish traditions of the past
to enjoyment of all things Scottish today,
tap into your inner heritage!
Our own Jim Morrison on Burns and haggis!
Iain Walinck & Stoneybank !
Craig Davis Magic !
John Allan Bag Pipes !
De Mairt Ceol Traditional Celtic Folk Music!
and MC/singer Sarah Noble !
ASU's Duane Roen on Writing Family History !
... plus Historical Swordsmanship, SCA and
C.R.O.F.T. - the Warriors, the Craftsman
and the Clans!
Come one by one, or arm in arm,
Explore it all in Learner's Arms!
Pipe Bands Michael McClanathan, Chair
Highlights of the piping area, wow...well, this year I have been fund raising to get more money in prizes to attract more bands, especially those from a distance. I have raised $2,200 so far ($1,000 from myself, that was the easy one.)
I googled pipe band organizations in every region of the US and Canada and send them an invitation to participate in our games. I had some good response including a band from Cincinnati which is interested in coming next year, and the RCMP told me they weren't ready now, but we're interested in the future. He also told me that Arizona has the highest number of retired RCMP people in the US. A small bit of trivia I didn't know.
We had 5 bands compete last year, and 11 so far this year with 35 solo competitors registered. I am working on the perpetual trophies just now and got the keepers ordered. Len Wood is working on the Sunday event and expects several ‘first responder’ bands (local fire and police departments) to participate.
Entertainment Don Finch, Chair
The Ghillie Dhu Pub Stage will be rocking again this year with a real ‘battle of the bands’. California’s Wicked Tinkers and Europe’s Celtica Pipes Rock are returning in 2016 with new material, renewed energy, and non-stop Celtic Rock Music. They’ll be introduced by funny guy Patrick Halloran who’s back for his 3rd year in the Ghillie Dhu!
Local favorites Stoneybank will be performing in the Ghillie Dhu both Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm each day. They’re also performing in the Learners’ Arms at 11:00 am Saturday and 2:00 pm Sunday.
Don’t forget the Ceilidh on Saturday evening beginning at 5:00 pm in the Ghillie Dhu. The Tinkers, John Allan, Stoneybank, and Celtica Pipes Rock will play individual sets and will join together at about 6:40 pm for a rockin’ version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’. New this year is the Four Peaks VIP Tent where you can enjoy the Ceilidh with food and 4 of your favorite Four Peaks’ brews for just $35. Does that lift your kilt!
Several of our musicians will also be roving the grounds this year, entertaining wherever crowds are gathered, such as the entrance gates, the food courts and the Wee Lads and Lassies area.
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan Don Finch, Editor
Clans and anyone else who’d like to have their tartan and its heritage blessed are invited to form up in the Clans area at 8:45 am Sunday morning. You’ll follow the SAMS Color Guard and the Pipes & Drums to the Ghillie Dhu Tent where Rev. Paul Lewis of Palm Valley Church in Goodyear will lead a traditional Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan ceremony. The service itself will be from 9:00 -9:30 am.
British Car Show, Sunday March 20th Shirley Blahak, Chair
We have enough registrations to make up several classes.
If your marque is NOT included, it means you will be in the "One-of-a-Kind" unless you can convince at least one owner with a car like yours to sign up.
We need more of these marques: Jaguar, Morgan, Triumph, Austin Healey, Rolls Royce, Metropolitan, Land Rover and Lotus. Time is running out, and there is just 1 week to the deadline!
Classes already formed are:
- - Classic Mini’s,
- - Modern MINI’s,
- - Early MG’s
We’re in the same easy entrance/exit location as last year and your entrance fee includes 2 tickets to the event. Have your car in a ‘photo opp’ with the roving musicians, pipe bands and entertainers!
Clans
Mark Pelletier, Chair
Fifty Clans and Celtic organizations will be arrayed in the Clan village for you to visit. Find your family, or just explore the colorful tartans, banners and badges. Ask to join your Clan in the Parade of Tartans. You’ll be welcomed.
Visit our photo booth, where you can wear a kilt and fill your phone with pictures. There’s a lot of food and drink at the event and of course athletics too; but we are the place to immerse yourself in the history and pagentry of Scotland.
Souvenir Merchandise
Ginni Caldwell, Chair
The 2016 Glenmorangie Scottish Gathering and Highland Games will feature a Souvenir Merchandise tent located near the Ghillie Dhu Pub Main Stage. We are making your souvenir purchases much easier this year with our convenient location!
Get your hoodies, t-shirts, license plates, patches, pins, flash drives, and much more while supplies last!
There’s nothing better than a souvenir from the Caledonian Society of Arizona Highland Games.
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