The Laughing Wolf

The Stone Mountain Highland Games

Down in the comments to this post, Michele asks that I tell her what are the Stone Mountain Highland Games. I will answer that, and also talk a bit about Highland Games in General.

The Stone Mountain games are some of the largest in North America, if not the world. A few thousand people attend each year, and this year was the 32nd year of the games. Events are split between the Atlanta Marriott and Stone Mountain Park. At the hotel, they have a whisky tasting each year, along with the Sponsor’s Reception (formal), a dance and reception on Saturday night, and some of the piping competitions.

For most, however, the games are what goes on at the Park. In the past, they have done an outstanding Tattoo on Thursday night, featuring the pipe and drum bands playing solo and en masse. Alas, that has gone away, which is a pity as it was just about my favorite part of the games. The Park events start Saturday morning, and for those of us setting up Clan tents and such, it started at about 0600 or earlier each day.

I am not sure how many Clans took part, but believe that more than 100 were represented this year. In addition, various societies and institutions also have tents. This does not include the vendors, who sell food, drink, sweets, clothing, books, music and more.

Entertainment is varied. You have singers in various venues, sometimes bands or solo instruments in others, and dancing on stages for learning, entertainment, and competition. There is even a chapel tent where weddings and other services are held, and this year I was proud to be present as my cousin’s, Mr. C and Ms. C, renewed their vows on their 5th anniversary. Yes, they were married in that tent five years ago at the Games.

There is a full range of athletics taking place, from tossing the caber to the sheep sheaf toss. I’ve enjoyed watching the latter because if the athlete goofs, the sheaf goes up and comes down into the middle of the judges. Then again, they need their exercise too. These athletics are professional for the most part, though I heard a rumor that there was a Clan challenge this year. This is when the Clans send alleged amateurs (and not a few ringers) to compete in the events. We had a runner take part in the Kilted Mile and/or the cross country race, and she did fairly well. Me, I don’t run unless a DI or other bad guy is chasing me.

There are also crafts, and at least two weapons makers were in attendance this year. There is an opening ceremony on Saturday, a massed band event on Saturday, and a Parade of Tartan’s on Sunday where the Clans march onto the field. This year’s mass band feature more than 650 participants, making it the largest-ever pipe and drum event in North America according to the heralds. There are also sheep dog demonstrations, a small sort of petting zoo featuring Highland Cows and calves, sometimes with other animals as well.

Now, I am told by a number of people from Scotland, including some Clan Chiefs, that the Games here are very different. Here, they are a celebration of heritage, a chance to share heritage and culture with others, learn about aspects of same, and entertainment. The Games in Scotland are apparently much smaller and concentrate on athletics. Most of the Chief’s that come over here leave very enthused about our way of doing the Games.

For those that are curious, yes I have tossed the caber (did a perfect throw my first time) and done most or all of the rest. My preference, and where I have earned bronze and silver medals, is in the axe throw. Indeed, that was the de facto sport of my Clan (Donnachaidh, the Children of Duncan, better known as Robertson, Reid, and Duncan) for many years. Not sure a former president of the Society has ever forgiven me for giving his wife an axe with which to practice at home, since no matter where she aimed she did an Ed Ames every time. Pity about that…

That is a quick thumbnail for now. If anyone has questions, I will try to answer them as best I may. Stone is huge, and I admit my preference is for the smaller games in many respects. Yet and still, Stone is almost always fun, even if a lot of work.

LW