 |
| Credit: Chicago Scots |
Interested in learning more about the Scottish heritage? I can’t think of anything else better than attending the Highland Games and Scottish Festival. We’ve always wanted to go to the Highland Games and Scottish Festival and can’t wait to experience it for ourselves this weekend.
The largest of its kind in the Midwest, the Chicago Scots’ 28th annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival returns June 20 and 21 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, IL and benefits the Scottish Home, the oldest 501c3 in Illinois.
Here are the details:
When: Friday, June 20 (4:00pm – 10:00pm) and Saturday, June 21 (8:00am – 9:00pm)
Where: Hamilton Lake in Itasca, IL located at I-290 and Thorndale Avenue
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the day you choose to visit. Check out this page for more ticket information.
Traditional and unique cultural events include:
- Live Celtic music including the Midwest Pipe Band Championship
- Highland Dance contests
 |
| Credit: Chicago Scots |
- Rugby
- Haggis eating
- Hurling contests
- Traditional Heavy Athletics exhibitions featuring the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone).
About the Highland Games and Scottish Festival:
“This is the largest and best Scottish festival in the Midwest,” said Gus Noble, President of the CHICAGO SCOTS. “We pride ourselves on making families feel like they’ve been transported to Scotland for a weekend of fun while enjoying a unique opportunity to learn more about Scottish culture.”
The festival kicks off Friday, June 20 with exhibits and vendors open from 4:00pm – 10:00pm. Friday evening Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics, Rugby Exhibition, Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, from 7:00-10:00pm on the Celtic rock stage.
The festival continues Saturday, June 21 from 8:00am – 9:00pm and features: Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament; Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations; Genealogy and cultural exhibits; Parade of Clan Tartans.
Children’s activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions.
 |
| Credit: Chicago Scots |
Attendee competitions including the Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British Car Show, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Knobbly Knees contest for men, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage, Whisky tastings and seminars, traditional Scottish or American cuisine and shopping in the Celtic Marketplace. The festivities culminate with the Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands Show, a breath-taking spectacle of 1,000 bagpipers and drummers, all joined in performing several traditional musical selections including Amazing Grace.
Have you been to the Highland Games before?
Related
